THE 


^NEIDS    OF   VIRGIL. 


DONE   INTO   ENGLISH    VERSE 

BY 
WILLIAM   MORRIS, 

AUTHOR     OF     "THE     EARTHLY     PARADISE." 


MEW  IMPRESSION. 


LONGMANS,    GREEN,   AND   CO. 

FOURTH  AVENUE  &  30TH  STREET,  NEW  YORK 

LONDON,  BOMBAY  AND  CALCUTTA 

I9IO 


AUTHOR'S  EDITION,  FROM  THE  SECOND  LONDON  EDITIOH. 


Cambridge: 
Press  of  John  Wilson  &  Son. 


THE   ^ENEIDS    OF   VIRGIL. 


BOOK    I. 


ARGUMENT. 

JENEAS   AND   HIS  TROJANS   BEING  DRIVEN  TO   LIBYA   BY  A  TEMPEST,  HAVE 
GOOD   WELCOME   OF   DIDO,   QUEEN   OF  CARTHAGE. 

T  O  1 am  he  who  led  the  song  through  slender  reed  to  cry, 
'*£-*    And  then,  come  forth  from  out  the  woods,  the  fields  that  are  thereby 
In  woven  verse  I  bade  obey  the  hungry  tillers'  need: 
Now  I,  who  sang  their  merry  toil,  sing  Mars  and  dreadful  deed. 

T  SING  of  arms,  I  sing  of  him,  who  from  the  Trojan  land 
Thrust  forth  by  Fate,  to  Italy  and  that  Lavinian  strand 
First  came :  all  tost  about  was  he  on  earth  and  on  the  deep 
By  heavenly  might  for  Juno's  wrath,  that  had  no  mind  to  sleep : 
And  plenteous  war  he  underwent  ere  he  his  town  might  frame 
And  set  his  Gods  in  Latian  earth,  whence  is  the  Latin  name, 
And  father-folk  of  Alba-town,  and  walls  of  mighty  Rome. 

Say,  Muse,  what  wound  of  godhead  was  whereby  all  this  must  come, 
How  grieving,  she,  the  Queen  of  Gods,  a  man  so  pious  drave 
To  win  such  toil,  to  welter  on  through  such  a  troublous  wave :  10 

—  Can  anger  in  immortal  minds  abide  so  fierce  and  fell  ? 


202S127 


6  THE  ^ENEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

There  was  a  city  of  old  time  where  Tyrian  folk  did  dwell, 

Called  Carthage,  facing  far  away  the  shores  of  Italy 

And  Tiber-mouth ;  fulfilled  of  wealth  and  fierce  in  arms  was  she, 

And  men  say  Juno  loved  her  well  o'er  every  other  land, 

Yea  e'en  o'er  Samos :  there  were  stored  the  weapons  of  her  hand, 

And  there  her  chariot :  even  then  she  cherished  the  intent 

To  make  her  Lady  of  all  Lands,  if  Fate  might  so  be  bent ; 

Yet  had  she  heard  how  such  a  stem  from  Trojan  blood  should  grow, 

As,  blooming  fair,  the  Tyrian  towers  should  one  day  overthrow,  20 

That  thence  a  folk,  kings  far  and  wide,  most  noble  lords  of  fight, 

Should  come  for  bane  of  Libyan  land :  such  web  the  Parcae  dight 

The  Seed  of  Saturn,  fearing  this,  and  mindful  how  she  erst 

For  her  beloved  Argive  walls  by  Troy  the  battle  nursed  — 

—  Nay  neither  had  the  cause  of  wrath  nor  all  those  hurts  of  old 
Failed  from  her  mind :  her  inmost  heart  still  sorely  did  enfold 
That  grief  of  body  set  at  nought  in  Paris'  doomful  deed, 

The  hated  race,  and  honour  shed  on  heaven-rapt  Ganymede  — 

So  set  on  fire,  that  Trojan  band  o'er  all  the  ocean  tost, 

Those  gleanings  from  Achilles'  rage,  those  few  the  Greeks  had  lost,      30 

She  drave  far  off  the  Latin  Land  :  for  many  a  year  they  stray 

Such  wise  as  Fate  would  drive  them  on  by  every  watery  way. 

—  Lo,  what  there  was  to  heave  aloft  in  fashioning  of  Rome ! 

Now  out  of  sight  of  Sicily  the  Trojans  scarce  were  come 
And  merry  spread  their  sails  abroad  and  clave  the  sea  with  brass, 
When  Juno's  heart,  who  nursed  the  wound  that  never  thence  would  pass, 
Spake  out : 

"  And  must  I,  vanquished,  leave  the  deed  I  have  begun, 
Nor  save  the  Italian  realm  a  king  who  comes  of  Teucer's  son  ? 
The  Fates  forbid  it  me  forsooth  ?     And  Pallas,  might  not  she 
Burn  up  the  Argive  fleet  and  sink  the  Argives  in  the  sea  40 

For  Oileus'  only  fault  and  fury  that  he  wrought  ? 
She  hurled  the  eager  fire  of  Jove  from  cloudy  dwelling  caught, 


BOOK  I.  7 

And  rent  the  ships  and  with  the  wind  the  heaped-up  waters  drew, 

And  him  a-dying,  and  all  his  breast  by  wildfire  smitten  through, 

The  whirl  of  waters  swept  away  on  spiky  crag  to  bide. 

While  I,  who  go  forth  Queen  of  Gods,  the  very  Highest's  bride 

And  sister,  must  I  wage  a  war  for  all  these  many  years 

With  one  lone  race  ?     What !  is  there  left  a  soul  that  Juno  fears 

Henceforth  ?  or  will  one  suppliant  hand  gifts  on  mine  altat  lay  ? " 

So  brooding  in  her  fiery  heart  the  Goddess  went  her  way  50 

Unto  the  fatherland  of  storm,  full  fruitful  of  the  gale, 

^Eolia  hight,  where  yEolus  is  king  of  all  avail, 

And  far  adown  a  cavern  vast  the  bickering  of  the  winds 

And  roaring  tempests  of  the  world  with  bolt  and  fetter  binds: 

They  set  the  mountains  murmuring  much,  a-growling  angrily 

About  their  bars,  while  JEolus  sits  in  his  burg  on  high, 

And,  sceptre-holding,  softeneth  them,  and  straight  their  wrath  doth  keep : 

Yea  but  for  that  the  earth  and  sea,  and  vault  of  heaven  the  deep, 

They  eager-swift  would  roll  away  and  sweep  adown  of  space : 

For  fear  whereof  the  Father  high  in  dark  and  hollow  place  60 

Hath  hidden  them,  and  high  above  a  world  of  mountains  thrown 

And  given  them  therewithal  a  king,  who,  taught  by  law  well  known, 

Now  draweth,  and  now  casteth  loose  the  reins  that  hold  them  in : 

To  whom  did  suppliant  Juno  now  in  e'en  such  words  begin : 

"  The  Father  of  the  Gods  and  men  hath  given  thee  might  enow 

0  ^Eolus,  to  smooth  the  sea,  and  make  the  storm-wind  blow. 
Hearken  !  a  folk,  my  very  foes,  saileth  the  Tyrrhene  main 
Bearing  their  Troy  to  Italy,  and  Gods  that  were  but  vain : 
Set  on  thy  winds,  and  overwhelm  their  sunken  ships  at  sea, 

Or  prithee  scattered  cast  them  forth,  things  drowned  diversedly.  70 

Twice  seven  nymphs  are  in  my  house  of  body  passing  fair : 
Of  whom  indeed  Deiopea  is  fairest  fashioned  there. 

1  give  her  thee  in  wedlock  sure,  and  call  her  all  thine  own 


8  THE  JENEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

To  wear  away  the  years  with  thee,  for  thy  deserving  shown 
To  me  this  day  ;  of  offspring  fair  she  too  shall  make  thee  sire." 

To  whom  spake  ^Eolus :  "  O  Queen,  to  search  out  thy  desire 

Is  all  thou  needest  toil  herein  ;  from  me  the  deed  should  wend. 

Thou  mak'st  my  realm  ;  the  sway  of  all,  and  Jove  thou  mak'st  my  friend, 

Thou  givest  me  to  lie  with  Gods  when  heavenly  feast  is  dight, 

And  o'er  the  tempest  and  the  cloud  thou  makest  me  of  might."  80 

Therewith  against  the  hollow  hill  he  turned  him  spear  in  hand 

And  hurled  it  on  the  flank  thereof,  and  as  an  ordered  band 

By  whatso  door  the  winds  rush  out  o'er  earth  in  whirling  blast, 

And  driving  down  upon  the  sea  its  lowest  deeps  upcast. 

The  East,  the  West  together  there,  the  Afric,  that  doth  hold 

A  heart  fulfilled  of  stormy  rain,  huge  billows  shoreward  rolled. 

Therewith  came  clamour  of  the  men  and  whistling  through  the  shrouds, 

And  heaven  and  day  all  suddenly  were  swallowed  by  the  clouds 

Away  from  eyes  of  Teucrian  men  ;  night  on  the  ocean  lies, 

Pole  thunders  unto  pole,  and  still  with  wildfire  glare  the  skies,  90 

And  all  things  hold  the  face  of  death  before  the  seamen's  eyes. 

Now  therewithal  ^Eneas'  limbs  grew  weak  with  chilly  dread, 

He  groaned,  and  lifting  both  his  palms  aloft  to  heaven,  he  said  : 

"  O  thrice  and  four  times  happy  ye,  that  had  the  fate  to  fall 

Before  your  fathers'  faces  there  by  Troy's  beloved  wall ! 

Tydides,  thou  of  Danaan  folk  the  mightiest  under  shield, 

Why  might  I  never  lay  me  down  upon  the  Ilian  field, 

Why  was  my  soul  forbid  release  at  thy  most  mighty  hand, 

Where  eager  Hector  stooped  and  lay  before  Achilles'  wand, 

Where  huge  Sarpedon  fell  asleep,  where  Simois  rolls  along  IDC 

The  shields  of  men,  and  helms  of  men,  and  bodies  of  the  strong  ?  " 

Thus  as  he  cried  the  whistling  North  fell  on  with  sudden  gale 


BOOK  I.  9 

And  drave  the  seas  up  toward  the  stars,  and  smote  aback  the  sail ; 

Then  break  the  oars,  the  bows  fall  off,  and  beam  on  in  the  trough 

She  lieth,  and  the  sea  comes  on  a  mountain  huge  and  rough. 

These  hang  upon  the  topmost  wave,  and  those  may  well  discern 

The  sea's  ground  mid  the  gaping  whirl :  with  sand  the  surges  churn. 

Three  keels  the  South  wind  cast  away  on  hidden  reefs  that  lie 

Midmost  the  sea,  the  Altars  called  by  men  of  Italy, 

A  huge  back  thrusting  through  the  tide  :  three  others  from  the  deep   no 

The  East  toward  straits,  and  swallowing  sands  did  miserably  sweep, 

And  dashed  them  on  the  shoals,  and  heaped  the  sand  around  in  ring : 

And  one,  a  keel  the  Lycians  manned,  with  him,  the  trusty  King 

Orontes,  in  Eneas'  sight  a  toppling  wave  o'erhung, 

And  smote  the  poop,  and  headlong  rolled,  adown  the  helmsman  flung ; 

Then  thrice  about  the  driving  flood  hath  hurled  her  as  she  lay, 

The  hurrying  eddy  swept  above  and  swallowed  her  from  day  : 

And  lo !  things  swimming  here  and  there,  scant  in  the  unmeasured  seas, 

The  arms  of  men,  and  painted  boards,  and  Trojan  treasuries. 

And  now  Ilioneus'  stout  ship,  her  that  Achates  leal  120 

And  Abas  ferried  o'er  the  main,  and  old  Aletes'  keel 

The  storm  hath  overcome  ;  and  all  must  drink  the  baneful  stream 

Through  opening  leaky  sides  of  them  that  gape  at  every  seam. 

But  meanwhile  Neptune,  sorely  moved,  hath  felt  the  storm  let  go, 

And  all  the  turmoil  of  the  main  with  murmur  great  enow ; 

The  deep  upheaved  from  all  abodes  the  lowest  that  there  be : 

So  forth  he  put  his  placid  face  o'er  topmost  of  the  sea, 

And  there  he  saw  Eneas'  ships  o'er  all  the  main  besprent, 

The  Trojans  beaten  by  the  flood  and  ruin  from  heaven  sent 

But  Juno's  guile  and  wrathful  heart  her  brother  knew  full  well :  130 

So  East  and  West  he  called  to  him,  and  spake  such  words  to  tell 

"  What  mighty  pride  of  race  of  yours  hath  hold  upon  your  minds, 
That  earth  and  sea  ye  turmoil  so  without  my  will,  O  winds ; 


io  .  THE  ^ENEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

That  such  upheaval  and  so  great  ye  dare  without  my  will  ? 

Whom  I  —  But  first  it  comes  to  hand  the  troubled  flood  to  still : 

For  such-like  fault  henceforward  though  with  nought  so  light  ye  pay. 

Go  get  you  gone,  and  look  to  it  this  to  your  king  to  say : 

That  ocean's  realm  and  three-tined  spear  of  dread  are  given  by  Fate 

Not  unto  him  but  unto  me  :  he  holds  the  cliffs  o'ergreat, 

Thine  houses,  Eurus  ;  in  that  hall  I  bid  him  then  be  bold,  140 

Thine  ^Eolus,  and  lord  it  o'er  his  winds  in  barred  hold." 

So  saying  and  swifter  than  his  word  he  laid  the  troubled  main, 

And  put  to  flight  the  gathered  clouds,  and  brought  the  sun  again  ; 

And  with  him  Triton  fell  to  work,  and  fair  Cymothoe, 

And  thrust  the  ships  from  spiky  rocks ;  with  triple  spear  wrought  he 

To  lift,  and  opened  swallowing  sands,  and  laid  the  waves  alow. 

Then  on  light  wheels  o'er  ocean's  face  soft  gliding  did  he  go. 

And,  like  as  mid  a  people  great  full  often  will  arise 

Huge  riot,  and  all  the  low-born  herd  to  utter  anger  flies, 

And  sticks  and  stones  are  in  the  air,  and  fury  arms  doth  find ;  150 

Then,  setting  eyes  perchance  on  one  of  weight  for  noble  mind, 

And  noble  deeds,  they  hush  them  then  and  stand  with  pricked-up  ears, 

.And  he  with  words  becomes  their  lord,  and  smooth  their  anger  wears ; 

—  In  such  wise  fell  all  clash  of  sea  when  that  sea-father  rose, 

And  looked  abroad :  who  turned  his  steeds,  and  giving  rein  to  those, 

Flew  forth  in  happy-gliding  car  through  heaven's  all-open  way. 

^Eneas'  sore  forewearied  host  the  shores  that  nearest  lay 
Stretch  out  for  o'er  the  sea,  and  turn  to  Libyan  land  this  while. 
There  goes  a  long  firth  of  the  sea,  made  haven  by  an  isle,  159 

Against  whose  sides  thrust  out  abroad  each  wave  the  main  doth  send 
Is  broken,  and  must  cleave  itself  through  hollow  bights  to  wend : 
Huge  rocks  on  this  hand  and  on  that,  twin  horns  of  cliff,  cast  dread 
On  very  heaven  ;  and  far  and  wide  beneath  each  mighty  head 
Hushed  are  the  harmless  waters ;  lo,  the  flickering  wood  above 


BOOK  I.  ii 

And  wavering  shadow  cast  adown  by  darksome  hanging  grove: 

In  face  hereof  a  cave  there  is  of  rocks  o'erhung,  made  meet 

With  benches  of  the  living  stone  and  springs  of  water  sweet, 

The  house  of  Nymphs  :  a-riding  there  may  way-worn  ships  be  bold 

To  lie  without  the  hawser's  strain  or  anchor's  hooked  hold. 

That  bight  with  seven  of  all  his  tale  of  ships  yEneas  gained,  170 

And  there,  by  mighty  love  of  land  the  Trojans  sore  constrained, 

Leap  off-board  straight,  and  gain  the  gift  of  that  so  longed-for  sand, 

And  lay  their  limbs  with  salt  sea  fouled  adown  upon  the  strand  : 

And  first  Achates  smote  alive  the  spark  from  out  the  flint, 

And  caught  the  fire  in  tinder-leaves,  and  never  gift  did  stint 

Of  feeding  dry ;  and  flame  enow  in  kindled  stuff  he  woke ; 

Then  Ceres'  body  spoilt  with  sea,  and  Ceres'  arms  they  took, 

And  sped  the  matter  spent  with  toil,  and  fruit  of  furrows  found 

They  set  about  to  parch  with  fire  and  'twixt  of  stones  to  pound. 

Meanwhile  ^Eneas  scaled  the  cliff  and  far  and  wide  he  swept  180 

The  main,  if  anywhere  perchance  the  sea  his  Antheus  kept, 

Tost  by  the  wind,  if  he  might  see  the  twi-banked  Phrygians  row ; 

If  Capys,  or  CaTcus'  arms  on  lofty  deck  might  show. 

Nor  any  ship  there  was  in  sight,  but  on  the  strand  he  saw 

Three  stags  a-wandering  at  their  will,  and  after  them  they  draw 

The  whole  herd  following  down  the  dales  long  strung  out  as  they  feed : 

So  still  he  stood,  and  caught  in  hand  his  bow  and  shafts  of  speed, 

The  weapons  that  Achates  staunch  was  bearing  then  and  oft ; 

And  first  the  very  lords  of  those,  that  bore  their  heads  aloft 

With  branching  horns,  he  felled,  and  then  the  common  sort,  and  so      190 

Their  army  drave  he  with  his  darts  through  leafy  woods  to  go  : 

Nor  held  his  hand  till  on  the  earth  were  seven  great  bodies  strown, 

And  each  of  all  his  ships  might  have  one  head  of  deer  her  own. 

Thence  to  the  haven  gat  he  gone  with  all  his  folk  to  share, 

And  that  good  wine  which  erst  the  casks  Acestes  made  to  bear, 

And  gave  them  as  they  went  away  on  that  Trinacrian  beach, 


12  THE  ^NEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

He  shared  about ;  then  fell  to  soothe  their  grieving  hearts  with  speech : 

"  O  fellows,  we  are  used  ere  now  by  evil  ways  to  wend ; 

O  ye  who  erst  bore  heavier  loads,  this  too  the  Gods  shall  end. 

Ye,  ye  have  drawn  nigh  Scylla's  rage  and  rocks  that  inly  roar,  200 

And  run  the  risk  of  storm  of  stones  upon  the  Cyclops'  shore  : 

Come,  call  aback  your  ancient  hearts  and  put  your  fears  away  ! 

This  too  shall  be  for  joy  to  you  remembered  on  a  day. 

Through  diverse  haps,  through  many  risks  wherewith  our  way  is  strown, 

We  get  us  on  to  Latium,  the  land  the  Fates  have  shown 

To  be  for  peaceful  seats  for  us  :  there  may  we  raise  up  Troy. 

Abide,  endure,  and  keep  yourselves  for  coming  days  of  joy." 

So  spake  his  voice :  but  his  sick  heart  did  mighty  trouble  rack, 

As,  glad  of  countenance,  he  thrust  the  heavy  anguish  back. 

But  they  fall  to  upon  the  prey,  and  feast  that  was  to  dight,  210 

And  flay  the  hide  from  off  the  ribs,  and  bare  the  flesh  to  sight. 

Some  cut  it  quivering  into  steaks  which  on  the  spits  they  run, 

Some  feed  the  fire  upon  the  shore,  and  set  the  brass  thereon. 

And  so  meat  bringeth  might  again,  and  on  the  grass  thereby, 

Fulfilled  with  fat  of  forest  deer  and  ancient  wine,  they  lie. 

But  when  all  hunger  was  appeased  and  tables  set  aside, 

Of  missing  fellows  how  they  fared  the  talk  did  long  abide  j 

Whom,  weighing  hope  and  weighing  fear,  either  alive  they  trow, 

Or  that  the  last  and  worst  has  come,  that  called  they  hear  not  now. 

And  chief  of  all  the  pious  King  ^Eneas  moaned  the  pass  220 

Of  brisk  Orontes,  Amycus,  and  cruel  fate  that  was 

Of  Lycus,  and  of  Bias  strong,  and  strong  Cloanthus  gone. 

But  now  an  end  of  all  there  was,  when  Jove  a-looking  down 
From  highest  lift  on  sail-skimmed  sea,  and  lands  that  round  it  lie, 
And  shores  and  many  folk  about,  in  topmost  burg  of  sky 
Stood  still,  and  fixed  the  eyes  of  God  on  Libya's  realm  at  last : 


BOOK  I.  13 

To  whom,  as  through  his  breast  and  mind  such  cares  of  godhead  passed, 
opake  Venus,  sadder  than  her  due  with  bright  eyes  gathering  tears : 

"  O  thou,  who  rulest  with  a  realm  that  hath  no  days  nor  years, 

Both  Gods  and  men,  and  mak'st  them  fear  thy  thunder  lest  it  fall,       230 

What  then  hath  mine  ^Eneas  done  so  great  a  crime  to  call  ? 

What  might  have  Trojan  men  to  sin  ?     So  many  deaths  they  bore 

'Gainst  whom  because  of  Italy  is  shut  the  wide  world's  door. 

Was  it  not  surely  promised  me  that  as  the  years  rolled  round 

The  blood  of  Teucer  come  again  should  spring  from  out  the  ground, 

The  Roman  folk,  such  very  lords,  that  all  the  earth  and  sea 

Their  sway  should  compass  ?     Father,  doth  the  counsel  shift  in  thee  ? 

This  thing  indeed  atoned  to  me  for  Troy  in  ashes  laid, 

And  all  the  miserable  end,  as  fate  'gainst  fate  I  weighed : 

But  now  the  self-same  fortune  dogs  men  by  such  troubles  driven          240 

So  oft  and  oft.     What  end  of  toil  then  giv'st  thou,  King  of  heaven  ? 

Antenor  was  of  might  enow  to  'scape  the  Achaean  host, 

And  safe  to  reach  the  Illyrian  gulf  and  pierce  Liburnia's  coast, 

And  through  the  inmost  realms  thereof  to  pass  Timavus'  head, 

Whence  through  nine  mouths  midst  mountain  roar  is  that  wild  water  shed, 

To  cast  itself  on  fields  below  with  all  its  sounding  sea : 

And  there  he  made  Patavium's  town  and  Teucrian  seats  to  be, 

And  gave  the  folk  their  very  name  and  Trojan  arms  did  raise  : 

Now  settled  in  all  peace  and  rest  he  passeth  quiet  days. 

But  we,  thy  children,  unto  whom  thou  giv'st  with  bowing  head  250 

The  heights  of  heaven,  our  ships  are  lost,  and  we,  O  shame !  betrayed, 

Are  driven  away  from  Italy  for  anger  but  of  one. 

Is  this  the  good  man's  guerdon  then  ?  is  this  the  promised  throne  ? " 

The  Sower  of  the  Gods  and  men  a  little  smiled  on  her 
With  such  a  countenance  as  calms  the  storms  and  upper  air ; 
He  kissed  his  daughter  on  the  lips,  and  spake  such  words  to  tell : 
"O  Cytherean,  spare  thy  dread  !  unmoved  the  Fates  shall  dwell 


14  THE  ^ENEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

Of  thee  and  thine,  and  thou  shalt  see  the  promised  city  yet, 

E'en  that  Lavinium's  walls,  and  high  amidst  the  stars  shalt  set 

Great-soul ed  JEne&s  :  nor  in  me  doth  aught  of  counsel  shift.  260 

But  since  care  gnaws  upon  thine  heart,  the  hidden  things  I  lift 

Of  Fate,  and  roll  on  time  for  thee,  and  tell  of  latter  days. 

Great  war  he  wars  in  Italy,  and  folk  full  wild  of  ways 

He  weareth  down,  and  lays  on  men  both  laws  and  walled  steads, 

Till  the  third  summer  seeth  him  King  o'er  the  Latin  heads, 

And  the  third  winter's  wearing  brings  the  fierce  Rutulians  low. 

Thereon  the  lad  Ascanius,  lulus  by-named  now, 

(And  Ilus  was  he  once  of  old,  when  Ilium's  city  was,) 

Fulfilleth  thirty  orbs  of  rule  with  rolling  months  that  pass, 

And  from  the  town  Lavinium  shifts  the  dwelling  of  his  race,  270 

And  maketh  Alba-town  the  Long  a  mighty  fenced  place. 

Here  when  for  thrice  an  hundred  years  untouched  the  land  hath  been 

Beneath  the  rule  of  Hector's  folk,  lo  Ilia,  priestess-queen, 

Goes  heavy  with  the  love  of  Mars,  and  bringeth  twins  to  birth. 

'Neath  yellow  hide  of  foster- wolf  thence,  mighty  in  his  mirth, 

Comes  Romulus  to  bear  the  folk,  and  Mavors'  walls  to  frame, 

And  by  the  word  himself  was  called  the  Roman  folk  to  name. 

On  them  I  lay  no  bonds  of  time,  no  bonds  of  earthly  part ; 

I  give  them  empire  without  end :  yea,  Juno,  hard  of  heart, 

Who  wearieth  now  with  fear  of  her  the  heavens  and  earth  and  sea,      280 

Shall  gather  better  counsel  yet,  and  cherish  them  with  me  ; 

The  Roman  folk,  the  togaed  men,  lords  of  all  worldly  ways. 

Such  is  the  doom.     As  weareth  rime  there  come  those  other  days, 

Wherein  Assaracus  shall  bind  Mycenae  of  renown, 

And  Phthia,  and  shall  lord  it  o'er  the  Argives  beaten  down. 

Then  shall  a  Trojan  Caesar  come  from  out  a  lovely  name, 

The  ocean-stream  shall  bound  his  rule,  the  stars  of  heaven  his  fame, 

Julius  his  name  from  him  of  old,  the  great  lulus  sent : 

Him  too  in  house  of  heaven  one  day  'neath  spoils  of  Eastlands  bent 

Thou,  happy,  shalt  receive ;  he  too  shall  have  the  prayers  of  men.       290 


BOOK  I.  15 

The  wars  of  old  all  laid  aside,  the  hard  world  bettereth  then, 

And  Vesta  and  the  hoary  Faith,  Quirinus  and  his  twin 

Now  judge  the  world  ;  the  dreadful  doors  of  War  now  shut  within 

Their  iron  bolts  and  strait  embrace  the  godless  Rage  of  folk, 

Who,  pitiless,  on  weapons  set,  and  bound  in  brazen  yoke 

Of  hundred  knots  aback  of  him  foams  fell  from  bloody  mouth." 

Such  words  he  spake,  and  from  aloft  he  sent  down  Maia's  youth 

To  cause  the  lands  and  Carthage  towers  new-built  to  open  gate 

And  welcome  in  the  Teucrian  men ;  lest  Dido,  fooled  of  fate,  299 

Should  drive  them  from  her  country-side.     The  unmeasured  air  he  beat 

With  flap  of  wings,  and  speedily  in  Libya  set  his  feet : 

And  straightway  there  his  bidding  wrought,  and  from  the  Tyrians  fall, 

God  willing  it,  their  hearts  of  war ;  and  Dido  first  of  all 

Took  peace  for  Teucrians  to  her  soul,  and  quiet  heart  and  kind. 

Now  good  ^Eneas  through  the  night  had  many  things  in  mind, 

And  set  himself  to  fare  abroad  at  first  of  holy  day 

To  search  the  new  land  what  it  was,  and  on  what  shore  he  lay 

Driven  by  the  wind  j  if  manfolk  there  abode,  or  nought  but  deer, 

(For  waste  it  seemed),  and  tidings  true  back  to  his  folk  to  bear. 

So  in  that  hollow  bight  of  groves  beneath  the  cavern  cleft,  310 

All  hidden  by  the  leafy  trees  and  quavering  shades,  he  left 

His  ships  :  and  he  himself  afoot  went  with  Achates  lone, 

Shaking  in  hand  two  slender  spears  with  broad-beat  iron  done. 

But  as  he  reached  the  thicket's  midst  his  mother  stood  before, 

Who  virgin  face,  and  virgin  arms,  and  virgin  habit  bore, 

A  Spartan  maid  ;  or  like  to  her  who  tames  the  Thracian  horse, 

Harpalyce,  and  flies  before  the  hurrying  Hebrus'  course. 

For  huntress-wise  on  shoulder  she  had  hung  the  handy  bow, 

And  given  all  her  hair  abroad  for  any  wind  to  blow, 

And,  naked-kneed,  her  kirtle  long  had  gathered  in  a  lap.  320 

She  spake  the  first : 


16  THE  ^ENEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

"  Ho  youths,"  she  said,  "  tell  me  by  any  hap 
If  of  my  sisters  any  one  ye  saw  a  wandering  wide 
With  quiver  girt,  and  done  about  with  lynx's  spotted  hide, 
Or  following  of  the  foaming  boar  with  shouts  and  eager  feet  ? " 

So  Venus ;  and  so  Venus  son  began  her  words  to  meet : 

"  I  have  not  seen,  nor  have  I  heard  thy  sisters  nigh  this  place , 

O  maid  :  —  and  how  to  call  thee  then  ?  for  neither  is  thy  face 

Of  mortals,  nor  thy  voice  of  men :  O  very  Goddess  thou  ! 

What !  Phoebus'  sister  ?  or  of  nymphs  whom  shall  I  call  thee  now  ? 

But  whosoe'er  thou  be,  be  kind  and  lighten  us  our  toil,  330 

And  teach  us  where  beneath  the  heavens,  which  spot  of  earthly  soil 

We  are  cast  forth  ;  unlearned  of  men,  unlearned  of  land  we  stray, 

By  might  of  wind  and  billows  huge  here  driven  from  out  our  way. 

Our  right  hands  by  thine  altar-horns  shall  fell  full  many  a  host." 

Spake  Venus :  "  Nowise  am  I  worth  so  much  of  honour's  cost : 

The  Tynan  maids  are  wont  to  bear  the  quiver  even  as  I, 

And  even  so  far  upon  the  leg  the  purple  shoe-thong  tie. 

The  Punic  realm  thou  seest  here,  Agenor's  town  and  folk, 

But  set  amidst  of  Libyan  men  unused  to  bear  the  yoke. 

Dido  is  Lady  of  the  Land,  who  fled  from  Tyre  the  old,  340 

And  from  her  brother :  weary  long  were  all  the  ill  deed  told, 

And  long  its  winding  ways,  but  I  light-foot  will  overpass. 

Her  husband  was  Sychaeus  hight,  of  land  most  rich  he  was 

Of  all  Phoenicians  :  she,  poor  wretch !  loved  him  with  mighty  love, 

Whose  father  gave  her,  maid,  to  him,  and  first  the  rites  did  move 

Of  wedlock :  but  as  King  of  Tyre  her  brother  did  abide, 

Pygmalion,  more  swollen  up  in  sin  than  any  man  beside : 

Mad  hatred  yoked  the  twain  of  them,  he  blind  with  golden  lust, 

Godless  with  stroke  of  iron  laid  Sychaeus  in  the  dust 

Unwares  before  the  altar-horns  ;  nor  of  the  love  did  reck  350 

His  sister  had,  but  with  vain  hope  played  on  the  lover  sick, 


BOOK  I.  17 

And  made  a  host  of  feignings  false,  and  hid  the  matter  long. 

Till  in  her  sleep  the  image  came  of  that  unburied  wrong, 

Her  husband  dead  ;  in  wondrous  wise  his  face  was  waxen  pale : 

His  breast  with  iron  smitten  through,  the  altar  of  his  bale, 

The  hooded  sin  of  evil  house,  to  her  he  open  laid, 

And  speedily  to  flee  away  from  fatherland  he  bade  ; 

And  for  the  help  of  travel  showed  earth's  hidden  wealth  of  old, 

A  mighty  mass  that  none  might  tell  of  silver  and  of  gold. 

Sore  moved  hereby  did  Dido  straight  her  flight  and  friends  prepare  :  360 

They  meet,  together,  such  as  are  or  driven  by  biting  fear, 

Or  bitter  hatred  of  the  wretch :  such  ships  as  hap  had  dight 

They  fall  upon  and  lade  with  gold ;  forth  fare  the  treasures  bright 

Of  wretch  Pygmalion  o'er  the  sea,  a  woman  first  therein. 

And  so  they  come  unto  the  place  where  ye  may  see  begin 

The  towers  of  Carthage,  and  the  walls  new  built  that  mighty  grow, 

And  bought  the  Byrsa-field  good  cheap,  as  still  the  name  shall  show, 

So  much  of  land  as  one  bull's  hide  might  scantly  go  about. 

—  But  ye  forsooth,  what  men  are  ye,  from  what  land  fare  ye  out, 

And  whither  go  ye  on  your  ways  ? "  370 

Her  questioning  in  speech 

He  answered,  and  a  heavy  sigh  from  inmost  heart  did  reach : 
"  O  Goddess,  might  I  tread  again  first  footsteps  of  our  way, 
And  if  the  annals  of  our  toil  thine  hearkening  ears  might  stay, 
Yet  Vesper  first  on  daylight  dead  should  shut  Olympus'  door. 
From  Troy  the  old,  if  yet  perchance  your  ears  have  felt  before 
That  name  go  by,  do  we  come  forth,  and,  many  a  water  past, 
A  chance-come  storm  hath  drifted  us  on  Libyan  shores  at  last. 
I  am  ^Eneas,  God-lover ;  I  snatched  forth  from  the  foe 
My  Gods  to  bear  aboard  with  me,  a  fame  for  heaven  to  know. 
I  seek  the  Italian  fatherland,  and  Jove-descended  line ;  380 

Twice  ten  the  ships  were  that  I  manned  upon  the  Phrygian  brine, 
My  Goddess-mother  led  the  way,  we  followed  fate  God-given ; 
And  now  scarce  seven  are  left  to  me  by  wave  and  east-wind  riven ; 

2 


i8  THE  ^ENEIDS  OF  VIRGIL. 

And  I  through  Libyan  deserts  stray,  a  man  unknown  and  poor, 
From  Asia  cast,  from  Europe  cast." 

She  might  abide  no  more 

To  hear  his  moan  :  she  thrusts  a  word  amidst  his  grief  and  saith : 
"  Nay  thou  art  not  God's  castaway,  who  drawest  mortal  breath, 
And  farest  to  the  Tyrian  town,  if  aught  thereof  I  know. 
Set  on  to  Dido's  threshold  then  e'en  as  the  way  doth  show. 
For  take  the  tidings  of  thy  ships  and  folk  brought  back  again  390 

By  shifting  of  the  northern  wind  all  safe  from  off  the  main : 
Unless  my  parents  learned  me  erst  of  soothsaying  to  wot 
But  idly.     Lo  there  twice  seven  swans  disporting  in  a  knot, 
Whom  falling  from  the  plain  of  air  drave  down  the  bird  of  Jove 
From  open  heaven  :  strung  out  at  length  they  hang  the  earth  above, 
And  now  seem  choosing  where  to  pitch,  now  on  their  choice  to  gaze, 
As  wheeling  round  with  whistling  wings  they  sport  in  diverse  ways 
And  with  their  band  ring  round  the  pole  and  cast  abroad  their  song. 
Nought  otherwise  the  ships  and  youth  that  unto  thee  belong 
Hold  haven  now,  or  else  full  sail  to  harbour-mouth  are  come.  400 

Set  forth,  set  forth  and  tread  the  way  e'en  as  it  leadeth  home." 

She  spake,  she  turned,  from  rosy  neck  the  light  of  heaven  she  cast, 
And  from  her  hair  ambrosial  the  scent  of  Gods  went  past 
Upon  the  wind,  and  o'er  her  feet  her  skirts  fell  shimmering  down, 
And  very  God  she  went  her  ways.     Therewith  his  mother  known, 
With  such  a  word  he  followed  up  a-fleeing  from  his  eyes  : 

"  Ah  cruel  as  a  God !  and  why  with  images  and  lies 

Dost  thou  beguile  me  ?  wherefore  then  is  hand  to  hand  not  given 

And  we  to  give  and  take  in  words  that  come  from  earth  and  heaven  ? " 

Such  wise  he  chided  her,  and  then  his  footsteps  townward  bent :          410 

But  Venus  with  a  dusky  air  did  hedge  them  as  they  went, 

And  widespread  cloak  of  cloudy  stuff  the  Goddess  round  them  wrapped, 


BOOK  I.  19 

Lest  any  man  had  seen  them  there,  or  bodily  had  happed 
Across  their  road  their  steps  to  stay,  and  ask  their  dealings  there. 
But  she  to  Paphos  and  her  home  went  glad  amidst  the  air : 
There  is  her  temple,  there  they  stand,  an  hundred  altars  meet, 
Warm  with  Sabaean  incense-smoke,  with  new-pulled  blossoms  sweet 

But  therewithal  they  speed  their  way  as  led  the  road  along; 

And  now  they  scale  a  spreading  hill  that  o'er  the  town  is  hung,. 

And  looking  downward  thereupon  hath  all  the  burg  in  face.  420 

^Eneas  marvels  how  that  world  was  once  a  peasants'  place, 

He  marvels  at  the  gates,  the  roar  and  rattle  of  the  ways. 

Hot-heart  the  Tyrians  speed  the  work,  and  some  the  ramparts  raise, 

Some  pile  the  burg  high,  some  with  hand  roll  stones  up  o'er  the  ground.; 

Some  choose  a  place  for  dwelling-house  and  draw  a  trench  around  ; 

Some  choose  the  laws,  and  lords  of  doom,  the  holy  senate  choose. 

These  thereaway  the  havens  dig,  and  deep  adown  sink  those 

The  founding  of  the  theatre  walls,  or  cleave  the  living  stone 

In  pillars  huge,  one  day  to  show  full  fair  the  scene  upon. 

As  in  new  summer  'neath  the  sun  the  bees  are  wont  to  speed  430 

Their  labour  in  the  flowery  fields,  whereover  now  they  lead. 

The  well-grown  offspring  of  their  race,  or  when  the  cells  they  store 

With  flowing  honey,  till  fulfilled  of  sweets  they  hold  no  more ; 

Or  take  the  loads  of  newcomers,  or  as  a  watch  well  set 

Drive  off  the  lazy  herd  of  drones  that  they  no  dwelling  get; 

Well  speeds  the  work,  and  thymy  sweet  the  honey's  odour  is. 

"  Well  favoured  of  the  Fates  are  ye,  whose  walls  arise  in  bliss  !" 

^Eneas  cries,  a-looking  o'er  the  housetops  spread  below; 

Then,  wonderful  to  tell  in  tale,  hedged  round  with  cloud  doth  go 

Amid  the  thickest  press  of  men,  and  yet  of  none  is  seen.  440 

A  grove  amid  the  town  there  is,  a  pleasant  place  of  green, 
Where  erst  the  Tyrians,  beat  by  waves  and  whirling  of  the  wind, 


20  THE  ^ENEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

Dug  out  the  token  Juno  once  had  bidden  them  hope  to  find, 

An  eager  horse's  head  to  wit :  for  thus  their  folk  should  grow 

Far-famed  in  war  for  many  an  age,  of  victual  rich  enow. 

There  now  did  Dido,  Sidon-born,  uprear  a  mighty  fane 

To  Juno,  rich  in  gifts,  and  rich  in  present  godhead's  gain : 

On  brazen  steps  its  threshold  rose,  and  brass  its  lintel  tied, 

And  on  their  hinges  therewithal  the  brazen  door-leaves  cried. 

And  now  within  that  grove  again  a  new  thing  thrusting  forth  450 

'Gan  lighten  fear ;  for  here  to  hope  ^Eneas  deemed  it  worth, 

And  trust  his  fortune  beaten  down  that  yet  it  might  arise. 

For  there  while  he  abode  the  Queen  and  wandered  with  his  eyes 

O'er  all  the  temple,  musing  on  the  city's  fate  to  be, 

And  o'er  the  diverse  handicraft  and  works  of  mastery, 

Lo  there,  set  out  before  his  face  the  battles  that  were  Troy's, 

And  wars,  whereof  all  folk  on  earth  had  heard  the  fame  and  noise ; 

King  Priam,  the  Atridae  twain,  Achilles  dire  to  both. 

He  stood,  and  weeping  spake  withal : 

"  Achates,  lo !  forsooth 

What  place,  what  land  in  all  the  earth  but  with  our  grief  is  stored  ?     460 
Lo  Priam !  and  even  here  belike  deed  hath  its  own  reward. 
iLo  here  are  tears  for  piteous  things  that  touch  men's  hearts  anigh : 
'Cast  off  thy  fear !  this  fame  today  shall  yet  thy  safety  buy." 

And  with  the  empty  painted  thing  he  feeds  his  mind  withal, 

Sore  groaning,  and  a  very  flood  adown  his  face  did  fall. 

For  there  he  saw,  as  war  around  of  Pergamos  they  cast, 

Here  fled  the  Greeks,  the  Trojan  youth  for  ever  following  fast ; 

There  fled  the  Phrygians,  on  their  heels  high-helmed  Achilles'  car ; 

Nor  far  off,  fair  with  snowy  cloths,  the  tents  of  Rhesus  are  ; 

He  knew  them  weeping :  they  of  old  in  first  of  sleep  betrayed,  470 

Tydides  red  with  many  a  death  a  waste  of  nothing  made, 

And  led  those  fiery  steeds  to  camp  ere  ever  they  might  have 

One  mouthful  of  the  Trojan  grass,  or  drink  of  Xanthus'  wave. 


BOOK  I.  »» 

And  lo  again,  where  Troflus  is  fleeing  weaponless, 

Unhappy  youth,  and  all  too  weak  to  bear  Achilles'  stress, 

By  his  own  horses,  fallen  aback,  at  empty  chariot  borne, 

Yet  holding  on  the  reins  thereof ;  his  neck,  his  tresses  torn 

O'er  face  of  earth,  his  wrested  spear  a-writing  in  the  dust. 

Meanwhile  were  faring  to  the  fane  of  Pallas  little  just 

The  wives  of  Troy  with  scattered  hair,  bearing  the  gown  refused,         480 

Sad  they  and  suppliant,  whose  own  hands  their  very  bosoms  bruised, 

While  fixed,  averse,  the  Goddess  kept  her  eyes  upon  the  ground. 

Thrice  had  Achilles  Hector  dragged  the  walls  of  Troy  around, 

And  o'er  his  body,  reft  of  soul,  was  chaffering  now  for  gold. 

Deep  groaned  ^Eneas  from  his  heart  in  such  wise  to  behold 

The  car,  the  spoils,  the  very  corpse  of  him,  his  fellow  dead, 

To  see  the  hands  of  Priam  there  all  weaponless  outspread. 

Yea,  thrust  amidst  Achaean  lords,  his  very  self  he  knew ; 

The  Eastland  hosts  he  saw,  and  arms  of  Memnon  black  of  hue. 

There  mad  Penthesilea  leads  the  maids  of  moony  shield,  490 

The  Amazons,  and  burns  amidst  the  thousands  of  the  field, 

And  with  her  naked  breast  thrust  out  above  the  golden  girth, 

The  warrior  maid  hath  heart  to  meet  the  warriors  of  the  earth. 

But  while  ^Sneas,  Dardan  lord,  beholds  the  marvels  there, 

And,  all  amazed,  stands  moving  nought  with  eyes  in  one  set  stare, 

Lo  cometh  Dido,  very  queen  of  fairest  fashion  wrought, 

By  youths  close  thronging  all  about  unto  the  temple  brought. 

Yea,  e'en  as  on  Eurotas'  rim  or  Cynthus'  ridges  high 

Diana  leadeth  dance  about,  a  thousandfold  anigh 

The  following  Oreads  gather  round,  with  shoulder  quiver-hung  500 

She  overbears  the  Goddesses  her  swift  feet  fare  among, 

And  great  Latona's  silent  breast  the  joys  of  godhead  touch. 

Lo,  such  was  Dido  ;  joyously  she  bore  herself  e'en  such 

Amidst  them,  eager  for  the  work  and  ordered  rule  to  come  ; 

Then  through  the  Goddess'  door  she  passed,  and  midmost  'neath  the  dome, 


^^  THE  ^ENEIDS  OF  VIRGIL. 

High  raised  upon  a  throne  she  sat,  with  weapons  hedged  about, 

And  doomed,  and  fashioned  laws  for  men,  and  fairly  sifted  out 

And  dealt  their  share  of  toil  to  them,  or  drew  the  lot  as  happed. 

There  suddenly  ^Eneas  sees  amidst  a  concourse  wrapped 

Antheus,  Sergestus,  and  the  strong  Cloanthus  draw  anigh,  510 

And  other  Teucrians  whom  the  whirl,  wild,  black,  all  utterly 

Had  scattered  into  other  lands  afar  across  the  sea. 

Amazed  he  stood,  nor  stricken  was  Achates  less  than  he 

By  joy,  by  fear :  they  hungered  sore  hand  unto  hand  to  set ; 

But  doubt  of  dealings  that  might  be  stirred  in  their  hearts  as  yet ; 

So  lurking,  cloaked  in  hollow  cloud  they  note  what  things  betide 

Their  fellows  there,  and  on  what  shore  the  ships  they  manned  may  bide, 

And  whence  they  come ;  for  chosen  out  of  all  the  ships  they  bear 

Bidding  of  peace,  and,  crying  out,  thus  temple-ward  they  fare. 

But  now  when  they  were  entered  in,  and  gained  the  grace  of  speech,   520 

From  placid  heart  Ilioneus  the  elder  'gan  beseech  : 

"  O  Queen,  to  whom  hath  Jove  here  given  a  city  new  to  raise, 

And  with  thy  justice  to  draw  rein  on  men  of  wilful  ways, 

We  wretched  Trojans,  tost  about  by  winds  o'er  every  main, 

Pray  thee  forbid  it  from  our  ships,  the  dreadful  tiery  bane. 

Spare  pious  folk,  and  look  on  us  with  favouring  kindly  eyes ! 

We  are  not  come  with  sword  to  waste  the  Libyan  families, 

Nor  drive  adown  unto  the  strand  the  plunder  of  the  strong : 

No  such  high  hearts,  such  might  of  mind  to  vanquished  folk  belong. 

There  is  a  place,  Hesperia  called  of  Greeks  in  days  that  are,  530 

An  ancient  land,  a  fruitful  soil,  a  mighty  land  in  war. 

(Enotrian  folk  first  tilled  the  land,  whose  sons,  as  rumours  run, 

Now  call  it  nought  but  Italy  from  him  who  led  them  on. 

And  thitherward  our  course  was  turned, 

When  sudden,  stormy,  tumbling  seas,  Orion  rose  on  us, 

And  wholly  scattering  us  abroad  with  fierce  blasts  from  the  south, 

Drave  us,  sea-swept,  by  shallows  blind,  to  straits  with  wayless  mouth : 


BOOK  I.  23 

But  to  thy  shores  we  few  have  swum,  and  so  betake  us  here. 

What  men  among  men  are  ye  then  ?  what  country's  soil  may  bear 

Such  savage  ways  ?  ye  grudge  us  then  the  welcome  of  your  sand,          540 

And  fall  to  arms,  and  gainsay  us  a  tide-washed  strip  of  strand. 

But  if  menfolk  and  wars  of  men  ye  wholly  set  at  nought, 

Yet  deem  the  Gods  bear  memory  still  of  good  and  evil  wrought 

JEne&s  was  the  king  of  us ;  no  juster  was  there  one, 

No  better  lover  of  the  Gods,  none  more  in  battle  shone  : 

And  if  the  Fates  have  saved  that  man,  if  earthly  air  he  drink, 

Nor  'neath  the  cruel  deadly  shades  his  fallen  body  shrink, 

Nought  need  we  fear,  nor  ye  repent  to  strive  in  kindly  deed 

With  us  :  we  have  in  Sicily  fair  cities  to  our  need, 

And  fields  we  have ;  Acestes  high  of  Trojan  blood  is  come.  550 

Now  suffer  us  our  shattered  ships  in  haven  to  bring  home, 

To  cut  us  timber  in  thy  woods,  and  shave  us  oars  anew. 

Then  if  the  Italian  cruise  to  us,  if  friends  and  king  are  due, 

To  Italy  and  Latium  then  full  merry  wend  we  on. 

But  if,  dear  father  of  our  folk,  hope  of  thy  health  be  gone, 

And  thee  the  Libyan  water  have,  nor  hope  lulus  give, 

Then  the  Sicanian  shores  at  least,  and  seats  wherein  to  live, 

Whence  hither  came  we,  and  the  King  Acestes  let  us  seek." 

So  spake  he,  and  the  others  made  as  they  the  same  would  speak, 

The  Dardan-folk  with  murmuring  mouth.  560 

But  Dido,  with  her  head  hung  down,  in  few  words  answer  gave  : 
"  Let  fear  fall  from  you,  Teucrian  men,  and  set  your  cares  aside ; 
Hard  fortune  yet  constraineth  me  and  this  my  realm  untried 
To  hold  such  heed,  with  guard  to  watch  my  marches  up  and  down. 
Who  knoweth  not  ^Eneas'  folk  ?  who  knoweth  not  Troy-town, 
The  valour,  and  the  men,  and  all  the  flame  of  such  a  war  ? 
Nay,  surely  nought  so  dull  as  this  the  souls  within  us  are, 
Nor  turns  the  sun  from  Tyrian  town,  so  far  off  yoking  steed. 


24  THE  ^ENEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

So  whether  ye  Hesperia  great,  and  Saturn's  acres  need, 

Or  rather  unto  Eryx  turn,  and  King  Acestes'  shore,  570 

Safe,  holpen  will  I  send  you  forth,  and  speed  you  with  my  store : 

Yea  and  moreover,  have  ye  will  in  this  my  land  to  bide. 

This  city  that  I  build  is  yours  :  here  leave  your  ships  to  ride : 

Trojan  and  Tyrian  no  two  wise  at  hands  of  me  shall  fare. 

And  would  indeed  the  King  himself,  ./Eneas,  with  us  were, 

Driven  by  that  self-same  southern  gale :  but  sure  men  will  I  send, 

And  bid  them  search  through  Libya  from  end  to  utmost  end, 

Lest,  cast  forth  anywhere,  he  stray  by  town  or  forest  part." 

Father  yEneas  thereupon  high  lifted  up  his  heart, 

Nor  stout  Achates  less,  and  both  were  fain  the  cloud  to  break  ;  580 

And  to  /Eneas  first  of  all  the  leal  Achates  spake : 

"  O  Goddess-born,  what  thought  hereof  ariseth  in  thy  mind  ? 

All  safe  thou  seest  thy  ships  ;  thy  folk  fair  welcomed  dost  thou  find : 

One  is  away,  whom  we  ourselves  saw  sunken  in  the  deep ; 

But  all  things  else  the  promised  word  thy  mother  gave  us  keep." 

Lo,  even  as  he  spake  the  word  the  cloud  that  wrapped  them  cleaves, 

And  in  the  open  space  of  heaven  no  dusk  behind  it  leaves  ; 

And  there  ./Eneas  stood  and  shone  amid  the  daylight  clear, 

With  face  and  shoulders  of  a  God :  for  loveliness  of  hair 

His  mother  breathed  upon  her  son,  and  purple  light  of  youth,  590 

And  joyful  glory  of  the  eyes :  e'en  as  in  very  sooth 

The  hand  gives  ivory  goodliness,  or  when  the  Parian  stone, 

Or  silver  with  the  handicraft  of  yellow  gold  is  done : 

And  therewithal  unto  the  Queen  doth  he  begin  to  speak, 

Unlooked-for  of  all  men : 

"  Lo  here  the  very  man  ye  seek, 
Trojan  /Eneas,  caught  away  from  Libyan  seas  of  late ! 
Thou,  who  alone  of  toils  of  Troy  hast  been  compassionate, 


BOOK  I.  25 

Who  takest  us,  the  leavings  poor  of  Danaan  sword,  outworn 

With  every  hap  of  earth  and  sea,  of  every  good  forlorn, 

To  city  and  to  house  of  thine  :  to  thank  thee  to  thy  worth,  600 

Dido,  my  might  may  compass  not ;  nay,  scattered  o'er  the  earth 

The  Dardan  folk,  for  what  thou  dost  may  never  give  thee  meed : 

But  if  somewhere  a  godhead  is  the  righteous  man  to  heed, 

If  justice  is,  or  any  soul  to  note  the  right  it  wrought, 

May  the  Gods  give  thee  due  reward.     What  joyful  ages  brought 

Thy  days  to  birth  ?  what  mighty  ones  gave  such  an  one  to  day  ? 

Now  while  the  rivers  seaward  run,  and  while  the  shadows  stray 

O'er  hollow  hills,  and  while  the  pole  the  stars  is  pasturing  wide, 

Still  shall  thine  honour  and  thy  name,  still  shall  thy  praise  abide 

What  land  soever  calleth  me."  610 

Therewith  his  right  hand  sought 
His  very  friend  Ilioneus,  his  left  Serestus  caught, 
And  then  the  others,  Gyas  strong,  Cloanthus  strong  in  fight. 

Sidonian  Dido  marvelled  much,  first  at  the  hero's  sight, 

Then  marvelled  at  the  haps  he  had,  and  so  such  word  doth  say : 

"  O  Goddess-born,  what  fate  is  this  that  ever  dogs  thy  way 

With  such  great  perils  ?     What  hath  yoked  thy  life  to  this  wild  shore  ? 

And  art  thou  that  yEneas  then,  whom  holy  Venus  bore 

Unto  Anchises,  Dardan  lord,  by  Phrygian  Simoi's'  wave  ? 

Of  Teucer  unto  Sidon  come  a  memory  yet  I  have, 

Who,  driven  from  out  his  fatherland,  was  seeking  new  abode  6*0 

By  Belus'  help  :  but  Belus  then,  my  father,  over-rode 

Cyprus  the  rich,  and  held  the  same  as  very  conquering  lord : 

So  from  that  tide  I  knew  of  Troy  and  bitter  Fate's  award, 

I  knew  of  those  Pelasgian  kings  — yea,  and  I  knew  thy  name. 

He  then,  a  foeman,  added  praise  to  swell  the  Teucrian  fame, 

And  oft  was  glad  to  deem  himself  of  ancient  Teucer's  line. 

So  hasten  now  to  enter  in  'neath  roofs  of  me  and  mine. 


26  THE  ^ENEIDS  OF  VIRGIL. 

Me  too  a  fortune  such  as  yours,  me  tost  by  many  a  toil, 

Hath  pleased  to  give  abiding-place  at  last  upon  this  soil, 

Learned  in  illhaps  full  wise  am  I  unhappy  men  to  aid."  630 

Such  tale  she  told,  and  therewith  led  to  house  full  kingly  made 

./Eneas,  bidding  therewithal  the  Gods  with  gifts  to  grace  ; 

Nor  yet  their  fellows  she  forgat  upon  the  sea-beat  place, 

But  sendeth  them  a  twenty  bulls,  an  hundred  bristling  backs 

Of  swine,  an  hundred  fatted  lambs,  whereof  his  ewe  none  lacks, 

And  gifts  and  gladness  of  the  God. 

Meanwhile  the  gleaming  house  within  with  kingly  pomp  is  dight, 

And  in  the  midmost  of  the  hall  a  banquet  they  prepare  : 

Cloths  laboured  o'er  with  handicraft,  and  purple  proud  is  there  j 

Great  is  the  silver  on  the  board,  and  carven  out  of  gold  640 

The  mighty  deeds  of  father-folk,  a  long-drawn  tale,  is  told, 

Brought  down  through  many  and  many  an  one  from  when  their  race  began. 

./Eneas,  through  whose  father's  heart  unquiet  love  there  ran, 

Sent  on  the  swift  Achates  now  unto  the  ships  to  speed, 

To  bear  Ascanius  all  these  haps,  and  townward  him  to  lead ; 

For  on  Ascanius  well  beloved  was  all  his  father's  thought : 

And  therewithal  gifts  good  to  give  from  Ilium's  ruin  caught 

He  bade  him  bring :  a  cope  all  stiff  with  golden  imagery  ; 

With  saffron  soft  acanthus  twine  a  veil  made  fair  to  see ; 

The  Argive  Helen's  braveries,  brought  from  Mycenae  erst,  650 

When  she  was  seeking  Pergamos  and  wedding  all  accursed  : 

Her  mother  Leda  gave  her  these  and  marvellous  they  were. 

A  sceptre  too  that  Ilione  in  days  agone  did  bear, 

The  eldest-born  of  Priam's  maids  ;  a  neckchain  pearl  bestrown, 

And,  doubly  wrought  with  gold  and  gems,  a  kingly-fashioned  crown. 

So  to  the  ships  Achates  went  these  matters  forth  to  speed. 

But  Cytherea  in  her  heart  turned  over  new-wrought  rede, 


BOOK  I.  27 

New  craft ;  how,  face  and  fashion  changed,  her  son  the  very  Love 
For  sweet  Ascanius  should  come  forth,  and,  gift-giving,  should  move 
The  Queen  to  madness,  make  her  bones  the  yoke-fellows  of  flame.       660 
Forsooth  the  doubtful  house  she  dreads,  the  two-tongued  Tyrian  name  j 
And  bitter  Juno  burneth  her,  and  care  the  night  doth  wake  : 
Now  therefore  to  the  winged  Love  such  words  as  this  she  spake : 

"  O  son,  my  might,  my  only  might,  who  fearest  nought  at  all 

How  his,  the  highest  Father's  bolts,  Typhoeus'  bane,  may  fall, 

To  thee  I  flee,  and  suppliant  so  thy  godhead's  power  beseech : 

Thy  brother,  e'en  ^Eneas,  tost  on  every  sea-side  beach 

Thou  knowest ;  all  the  fashioning  of  wrongful  Juno's  hate 

Thou  knowest ;  oft  upon  my  grief  with  sorrow  wouldst  thou  wait 

Him  now  Phoenician  Dido  holds,  and  with  kind  words  enow  670 

Delays  him  there,  but  unto  what  Junonian  welcomes  grow 

I  fear  me :  will  she  hold  her  hand  when  thus  the  hinge  is  dight  ? 

Now  therefore  am  I  compassing  to  catch  their  craft  in  flight, 

To  ring  the  Queen  about  with  flame  that  her  no  power  may  turn, 

That  she  may  cling  to  me  and  sore  for  mine  ^Eneas  yearn. 

Now  hearken  how  I  counsel  thee  to  bring  about  my  will  : 

The  kingly  boy  his  father  calls,  he  whom  I  cherish  still, 

To  that  Sidonian  city  now  is  ready  dight  to  fare, 

And  gifts,  the  gleanings  of  the  sea  and  flames  of  Troy,  doth  bear, 

Whom  soaked  in  sleep  forthwith  will  I  in  high  Cythera  hide,  680 

Or  in  Idalium's  holy  place  where  I  am  wont  to  bide, 

Lest  any  one  the  guile  should  know  and  thrust  themselves  between  : 

But  thou  with  craft  his  fashion  feign,  and  with  his  face  be  seen 

Well  known  of  all,  for  no  more  space  than  one  night's  wearing  by ; 

And  so,  when  Dido,  gladdest  grown,  shall  take  thee  up  to  lie 

Upon  her  breast  'twixt  queenly  board  and  great  Lyaeus'  wave, 

And  thou  the  winding  of  her  arms  and  kisses  sweet  shalt  have, 

Then  breathe  the  hidden  flame  in  her  and  forge  thy  venomed  guile." 


28  THE  ^ENEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

His  lovesome  mother  Love  obeyed,  and  doffed  his  wings  awhile, 

And  as  lulus  goeth  now  rejoicing  on  his  way.  69* 

But  Venus  all  Ascanius'  limbs  in  quiet  rest  doth  lay, 

And  cherished  in  her  Goddess'  breast  unto  Idalian  groves 

She  bears  him,  where  the  marjoram  still  soft  about  him  moves 

And  breatheth  sweet  from  scented  shade  and  blossoms  on  the  air. 

Love  wrought  her  will,  and  bearing  now  those  royal  gifts  and  rare, 

Unto  the  Tyrians  joyous  went,  e'en  as  Achates  led. 

But  when  he  came  into  the  house,  there  on  her  golden  bed 

With  hangings  proud  Queen  Dido  lay  amidmost  of  the  place : 

The  father  then,  ^Eneas,  then  the  youth  of  Trojan  race, 

There  gather,  and  their  bodies  cast  on  purple  spread  abroad.  700 

Folk  serve  them  water  for  their  hands,  and  speed  the  baskets  stored 

With  Ceres,  and  the  towels  soft  of  close-clipped  nap  they  bear. 

Within  were  fifty  serving-maids,  whose  long  array  had  care 

To  furnish  forth  the  meat  and  drink,  and  feed  the  house-gods'  flame  ; 

An  hundred  more,  and  youths  withal  of  age  and  tale  the  same, 

Set  on  the  meat  upon  the  board  and  lay  the  cups  about. 

And  now  through  that  wide  joyous  door  came  thronging  from  without 

The  Tyrians,  and,  so  bidden,  lie  on  benches  painted  fair. 

They  wonder  at  ^Eneas'  gifts,  and  at  lulus  there, 

The  flaming  countenance  of  God,  and  speech  so  feigned  and  fine  ;       710 

They  wonder  at  the  cope  and  veil  with  that  acanthus  twine. 

And  chiefly  that  unhappy  one  doomed  to  the  coming  ill, 

Nor  hungry  hollow  of  her  heart  nor  burning  eyes  may  fill 

With  all  beholding  :  gifts  and  child  alike  her  heart  do  move. 

But  he,  when  he  had  satisfied  his  feigned  father's  love, 

And  clipped  ^Eneas  all  about,  and  round  his  neck  had  hung, 

Went  to  the  Queen,  who  with  her  eyes  and  heart  about  him  clung, 

And  whiles  would  strain  him  to  her  breast  —  poor  Dido !  knowing  nought 

What  God  upon  her  bosom  sat ;  who  ever  had  in  thought 

His  Acidalian  mother's  word,  and  slowly  did  begin  720 

To  end  Sychaeus  quite,  and  with  a  living  love  to  win 


BOOK  I.  29 

Her  empty  soul  at  rest,  and  heart  unused  a  weary  tide. 

But  when  the  feasting  first  was  stayed,  and  boards  were  done  aside, 

Great  beakers  there  they  set  afoot,  and  straight  the  wine  they  crowned. 

A  shout  goes  up  within  the  house,  great  noise  they  roll  around 

The  mighty  halls  :  the  candles  hang  adown  from  golden  roof 

All  lighted,  and  the  torches'  flame  keeps  dusky  night  aloof. 

And  now  a  heavy  bowl  of  gold  and  gems  the  Queen  bade  bring 

And  fill  with  all  unwatered  wine,  which  erst  used  Belus  king,  729 

And  all  from  Belus  come  :  therewith  through  the  hushed  house  she  said  : 

"  O  Jupiter  !  they  say  by  thee  the  guesting  laws  were  made; 
Make  thou  this  day  to  Tyrian  folk,  and  folk  come  forth  from  Troy, 
A.  happy  day,  and  may  our  sons  remember  this  our  joy ! 
Mirth-giver  Bacchus,  fail  thou  not  from  midst  our  mirth !  be  kind, 
O  Juno  !  and  ye  Tyrian  folk,  be  glad  this  bond  to  bind  !  " 

She  spake,  and  on  the  table  poured  the  glorious  wave  of  wine, 

Then  touched  the  topmost  of  the  bowl  with  dainty  lip  and  fine, 

And,  egging  on,  to  Bitias  gave  :  nought  slothful  to  be  told 

The  draught  he  drained,  who  bathed  himself  within  the  foaming  gold  ; 

Then  drank  the  other  lords  of  them :  long-haired  lopas  then  740 

Maketh  the  golden  harp  to  sing,  whom  Atlas  most  of  men 

Erst  taught :  he  sings  the  wandering  moon  and  toiling  of  the  sun, 

And  whence  the  kind  of  men  and  beasts,  how  rain  and  fire  begun. 

Arcturus,  the  wet  Hyades,  and  twin-wrought  Northern  Bears : 

And  why  so  swift  the  winter  sun  unto  his  sea-bath  fares, 

And  what  delayeth  night  so  long  upon  the  daylight's  hem. 

Then  praise  on  praise  the  Tyrians  shout,  the  Trojans  follow  them. 

Meanwhile  unhappy  Dido  wore  the  night-tide  as  it  sank 

In  diverse  talk,  and  evermore  long  draughts  of  love  she  drank, 

And  many  a  thing  of  Priam  asked,  of  Hector  many  a  thing :  750 


3o  THE  ^ENEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

With  what-like  arras  Aurora's  son  had  come  unto  the  King ; 
What  were  the  steeds  of  Diomed,  how  great  Achilles  was. 
At  last  she  said : 

"  But  come,  O  guest,  tell  all  that  came  to  pass 
From  earliest  tide ;  of  Danaan  craft,  and  how  thy  land  was  lorn, 
And  thine  own  wanderings ;  for  as  now  the  seventh  year  is  worn 
That  thee  a-straying  wide  away  o'er  earth  and  sea  hath  borne." 


BOOK     II. 


ARGUMENT. 

ANEAS     TELLETH     TO    DIDO    AND    THE    TYRIANS    THE    STORY    OF    TROY'S 
OVERTHROW. 

A  LL  hearkened  hushed,  and  fixed  on  him  was  every  face  of  man, 
As  from  the  couch  high  set  aloft  ^Eneas  thus  began : 

"  Unutterable  grief,  O  Queen,  thou  biddest  me  renew 

The  falling  of  the  Trojan  weal  and  realm  that  all  shall  rue 

'Neath  Danaan  might ;  which  thing  myself  unhappy  did  behold, 

Yea,  and  was  no  small  part  thereof.     What  man  might  hear  it  told 

Of  Dolopes,  or  Myrmidons,  or  hard  Ulysses'  band, 

And  keep  the  tears  back  ?     Dewy  night  now  falleth  from  the  land 

Of  heaven,  and  all  the  setting  stars  are  bidding  us  to  sleep : 

But  if  to  know  our  evil  hap  thy  longing  is  so  deep,  10 

If  thou  wilt  hear  a  little  word  of  Troy's  last  agony, 

Though  memory  shuddereth,  and  my  heart  shrunk  up  in  grief  doth  lie, 

I  will  begin. 

By  battle  broke,  and  thrust  aback  by  Fate 
Through  all  the  wearing  of  the  years,  the  Danaan  lords  yet  wait 
And  build  a  horse  up  mountain-huge  by  Pallas'  art  divine, 
Fair  fashioning  the  ribs  thereof  with  timbers  of  the  pine, 
And  feign  it  vowed  for  safe  return,  and  let  the  fame  fly  forth. 
Herein  by  stealth  a  sort  of  men  chosen  for  bodies'  worth 
Amid  its  darkness  do  they  shut ;  the  caverns  inly  lost 
Deep  in  the  belly  of  the  thing  they  fill  with  armed  host  20 


32  THE  ^ENEIDS  OF  VIRGIL. 

In  sight  of  Troy  lies  Tenedos,  an  island  known  of  all, 

And  rich  in  wealth  before  the  realm  of  Priam  had  its  fall, 

Now  but  a  bay  and  roadstead  poor,  where  scarcely  ships  may  ride. 

So  thither  now  they  sail  away  in  desert  place  to  hide. 

We  thought  them  gone,  and  that  they  sought  Mycenae  on  a  wind, 

Whereat  the  long-drawn  grief  of  Troy  fell  off  from  every  mind. 

The  gates  are  opened  ;  sweet  it  is  the  Dorian  camp  to  see, 

The  dwellings  waste,  the  shore  all  void  where  they  were  wont  to  be : 

Here  dwelt  the  band  of  Dolopes,  here  was  Achilles  set,  29 

And  this  was  where  their  ships  were  beached ;  here  edge  to  edge  we  met. 

Some  wonder  at  unwedded  maid  Minerva's  gift  of  death, 

That  baneful  mountain  of  a  horse ;  and  first  Thymoetes  saith 

'Twere  good  in  walls  to  lead  the  thing,  on  topmost  burg  to  stand ; 

Whether  such  word  the  fate  of  Troy  or  evil  treason  planned 

I  know  not :  Capys  and  the  rest,  who  better  counsel  have, 

Bid  take  the  fashioned  guile  of  Greeks,  the  doubtful  gift  they  gave, 

To  tumble  it  adown  to  sea,  with  piled-up  fire  to  burn, 

Or  bore  the  belly  of  the  beast  its  hidden  holes  to  learn ; 

So  cleft  atwain  is  rede  of  men  abiding  there  in  doubt. 

But  first  before  all  others  now  with  much  folk  all  about  40 

Laocoon  the  fiery  man  runs  from  the  burg  adown, 
And  shouts  from  far : 

'  O  wretched  men,  how  hath  such  madness  grown  ? 
Deem  ye  the  foe  hath  fared  away  ?    Deem  ye  that  Danaan  gifts 
May  ever  lack  due  share  of  guile  ?     Are  these  Ulysses'  shifts  ? 
For  either  the  Achseans  lurk  within  this  fashioned  tree, 
Or  'tis  an  engine  wrought  with  craft  bane  of  our  walls  to  be, 
To  look  into  our  very  homes,  and  scale  the  town  perforce : 
Some  guile  at  least  therein  abides  :  Teucrians,  trust  not  the  horse  1 
Whatso  it  is,  the  Danaan  folk,  yea  gift-bearing  I  fear.'  49 


BOOK  II.  33 

Thus  having  said,  with  valiant  might  he  hurled  a  huge-wrought  spear 

Against  the  belly  of  the  beast  swelled  out  with  rib  and  stave ; 

It  stood  a-trembling  therewithal ;  its  hollow  caverns  gave 

From  womb  all  shaken  with  the  stroke  a  mighty  sounding  groan. 

And  but  for  God's  heart  turned  from  us,  for  God's  fate  fixed  and  known, 

He  would  have  led  us  on  with  steel  to  foul  the  Argive  den, 

And  thou,  O  Troy,  wert  standing  now,  thou  Priam's  burg  as  then ! 

But  lo,  where  Dardan  shepherds  lead,  with  plenteous  clamour  round, 

A  young  man  unto  Priam's  place  with  hands  behind  him  bound, 

Who  privily  had  thrust  himself  before  their  way  e'en  now 

The  work  to  crown,  and  into  Troy  an  open  way  to  show  60 

Unto  the  Greeks  ;  a  steadfast  soul,  prepared  for  either  end, 

Or  utterly  to  work  his  craft  or  unto  death  to  bend. 

Eager  to  see  him  as  he  went  around  the  Trojans  flock 

On  every  side,  and  each  with  each  contend  the  man  to  mock. 

Lo  now,  behold  the  Danaan  guile,  and  from  one  wrong  they  wrought 

Learn  ye  what  all  are  like  to  be. 

For  as  he  stood  in  sight  of  all,  bewildered,  weaponless, 

And  let  his  eyes  go  all  around  the  gazing  Phrygian  press, 

He  spake : 

'  What  land  shall  have  me  now,  what  sea  my  head  shall  hide  ? 
What  then  is  left  of  deed  to  do  that  yet  I  must  abide  ?  70 

No  place  I  have  among  the  Greeks,  and  Dardan  folk  withal 
My  foemen  are,  and  bloody  end,  due  doom,  upon  me  call.' 

And  with  that  wail  our  hearts  were  turned,  and  somewhat  backward  hung 
The  press  of  men  :  we  bade  him  say  from  whence  his  blood  was  sprung, 
And  what  he  did,  and  if  indeed  a  captive  we  might  trust ; 
So  thus  he  spake  when  now  all  fear  from  off  his  heart  was  thrust : 

'  Whatso  betide,  to  thee,  O  King,  the  matter's  verity 
Will  I  lay  bare  unto  the  end,  nor  Argive  blood  deny  : 

3 


34  THE  ^ENEIDS  OF  VIRGIL. 

This  firstly ;  for  if  Fate  indeed  shaped  Sinon  for  all  bale 

To  make  him  liar  and  empty  fool  her  worst  may  not  avail.  80 

Perchance  a  rumour  of  men's  talk  about  your  ears  hath  gone, 

Telling  of  Palamedes'  fame  and  glory  that  he  won, 

The  son  of  Belus  :  traitors'  word  undid  him  innocent ; 

By  unjust  doom  for  banning  war  the  way  of  death  he  went, 

Slain  by  Pelasgian  men,  that  now  his  quenched  light  deplore. 

Fellow  to  him,  and  nigh  akin,  I  went  unto  the  war, 

Sent  by  my  needy  father  forth,  e'en  from  my  earliest  years  ; 

Now  while  he  reigned  in  health,  a  king  fair  blooming  mid  his  peers 

In  council  of  the  kings,  I  too  had  share  of  name  and  worth. 

But  after  he  had  gone  his  way  from  land  of  upper  earth,  90 

Thrust  down  by  sly  Ulysses'  hate  (I  tell  all  men's  belief), 

Then  beaten  down  I  dragged  my  life  through  shadowy  ways  of  grief, 

And  heavily  I  took  the  death  of  him  my  sackless  friend, 

Nor  held  my  peace,  O  fool !  but  vowed  revenge  if  time  should  send 

A  happy  tide  ;  if  I  should  come  to  Argos  any  more, 

A  victor  then :  so  with  my  words  I  drew  down  hatred  sore. 

This  was  the  first  fleck  of  my  ill ;  Ulysses  ever  now 

Would  threaten  with  some  new-found  guilt,  and  mid  the  folk  would  sow 

Dark  sayings,  and  knowing  what  was  toward,  sought  weapons  new  at  need  ; 

Nor  wearied  till  with  Calchas  now  to  help  him  to  the  deed.  —  100 

—  But  why  upturn  these  ugly  things,  or  spin  out  time  for  nought  ? 

For  if  ye  deem  all  Greekish  men  in  one  same  mould  are  wrought : 

It  is  enough.     Come  make  an  end ;  Ulysses'  hope  fulfil ! 

With  great  price  would  the  Atridae  buy  such  working  of  their  will.' 

Then  verily  to  know  the  thing  and  reach  it  deep  we  burned, 

So  little  in  Pelasgian  guile  and  evil  were  we  learned. 

He  takes  the  tale  up  ;  fluttering-voiced  from  lying  heart  he  speaks : 

'  The  longing  to  be  gone  from  Troy  fell  oft  upon  the  Greeks, 
And  oft  they  fain  had  turned  their  backs  on  war  without  an  end, 


BOOK  II.  35 

(I  would  they  had),  and  oft  as  they  were  e'en  at  pornt  to  wend  no 

A  tempest  would  forbid  the  sea,  or  southern  gale  would  scare, 

And  chiefly  when  with  maple-beams  this  horse  that  standeth  here 

They  fashioned,  mighty  din  of  storm  did  all  the  heavens  fulfil. 

So  held  aback,  Eurypylus  we  sent  to  learn  the  will 

Of  Phoebus  :  from  the  shrine  he  brought  such  heavy  words  as  these : 

With  blood  and  with  a  virgin's  death  did  ye  the  winds  appease 

When  first  ye  came,  O  Danaanfolk,  unto  the  Ilian  shore; 

With  blood  and  with  an  Argive  soul  the  Gods  shall  ye  adore 

For  your  return. 

'  Now  when  that  word  men's  ears  had  gone  about 

Their  hearts  stood  still,  and  tremors  cold  took  all  their  bones  for  doubt 
What  man  the  Fates  had  doomed  thereto,  what  man  Apollo  would.      121 
Amidst  us  then  the  Ithacan  drags  in  with  clamour  rude 
Calchas  the  seer,  and  wearieth  him  the  God's  will  to  declare. 
Of  that  craftsmaster's  cruel  guile  had  many  bade  beware 
In  words,  and  many  silently  foresaw  the  coming  death. 
Twice  five  days  Calchas  holdeth  peace  and,  hidden,  gainsayeth 
To  speak  the  word  that  any  man  to  very  death  should  cast, 
Till  hardly,  by  Ulysses'  noise  sore  driven,  at  the  last 
He  brake  out  with  the  speech  agreed,  and  on  me  laid  the  doom ; 
All  cried  assent,  and  what  each  man  feared  on  himself  might  come,      130 
'Gainst  one  poor  wretch's  end  of  days  with  ready  hands  they  bear. 
Now  came  the  evil  day ;  for  me  the  rites  do  men  prepare, 
The  salted  cakes,  the  holy  strings  to  do  my  brows  about. 
I  needs  must  say  I  brake  my  bonds,  from  Death's  house  gat  me  out, 
And  night-long  lay  amid  the  sedge  by  muddy  marish  side 
Till  they  spread  sail,  if  they  perchance  should  win  their  sailing  tide. 
Nor  have  I  hope  to  see  again  my  fatherland  of  old ; 
My  longed-for  father  and  sweet  sons  I  never  shall  behold  ; 
On  whom  the  guilt  of  me  who  fled  mayhappen  men  will  lay, 
And  with  their  death  for  my  default  the  hapless  ones  shall  pay.  i  {.o 

But  by  the  might  of  very  God,  all  sooth  that  knoweth  well, 


36  THE  ^ENEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

By  all  the  unstained  faith  that  yet  mid  mortal  men  doth  dwell, 
If  aught  be  left,  I  pray  you  now  to  pity  such  distress ! 
Pity  a  heart  by  troubles  tried  beyond  its  worthiness ! ' 

His  weeping  won  his  life  of  us,  and  pity  thereunto, 

And  Priam  was  the  first  who  bade  his  irons  to  undo, 

And  hand-bonds,  and  in  friendly  words  unto  the  man  he  speaks : 

'  Whoso  thou  art,  henceforward  now  forget  thy  missing  Greeks ; 

Thou  shalt  be  ours :  but  learn  me  now,  who  fain  the  sooth  would  wot, 

Wherefore  they  built  this  world  of  horse,  what  craftsmen  him  begot,     150 

And  what  to  do  ?    What  gift  for  Gods ;  what  gin  of  war  is  he  ? ' 

He  spake.    The  other,  wise  in  guile  and  Greekish  treachery, 

Both  palms  of  his  from  bonds  new-freed  raised  toward  the  stars  above, 

And,  *  O  eternal  fires  ! '  he  cried,  '  O  might  that  none  may  move, 

Bear  witness  now !  ye  altar-stones,  ye  wicked  swords  I  fled, 

Ye  holy  fillets  of  the  Gods  bound  round  my  fore-doomed  head, 

That  I  all  hallowed  Greekish  rites  may  break  and  do  aright, 

That  I  may  hate  the  men  and  bring  all  hidden  things  to  light 

If  aught  lie  hid ;  nor  am  I  held  by  laws  my  country  gave ! 

But  thou,  O  Troy,  abide  by  troth,  and  well  thy  saviour  save,  160 

If  truth  I  bear  thee,  if  great  things  for  great  I  pay  thee  o'er  ! 

1  All  hope  the  Danaans  had,  all  trust  for  speeding  on  the  war 

On  Pallas'  aid  was  ever  set :  yet  came  a  day  no  less 

When  godless  Diomed  and  he,  well-spring  of  wickedness, 

Ulysses,  brake  the  holy  place  that  they  by  stealth  might  gain 

The  fate-fulfilled  Palladium,  when,  all  the  burg-guards  slain, 

They  caught  the  holy  image  up,  and  durst  their  bloody  hands 

Lay  on  the  awful  Goddess  there  and  touch  her  holy  bands  : 

The  flood-tide  of  the  Danaan  hope  ebbed  from  that  very  day ; 

Might  failed  them,  and  the  Goddess-maid  turned  all  her  heart  away :   170 

Token  whereof  Tritonia  gave  by  portent  none  might  doubt : 


BOOK  II.  37 

Scarce  was  the  image  set  in  camp  when  suddenly  flashed  out 

Fierce  fire  from  staring  eyes  of  her,  and  salt  sweat  oozed  and  fell 

O'er  all  her  limbs,  and  she  from  earth,  O  wonderful  to  tell ! 

Leapt  thrice,  still  holding  in  her  hand  the  quivering  spear  and  shield : 

Then  Calchas  bade  us  turn  to  flight  across  the  wavy  field, 

Singing  how  ruin  of  Pergamos  the  Argive  steel  shall  lack, 

Till  Argos  give  the  signs  again,  and  we  the  God  bring  back 

In  hollow  of  the  curved  keel  across  the  tumbling  main. 

And  this  is  why  they  sought  their  home,  Mycenae's  land,  again,  180 

And  there  they  dight  them  arms  and  God,  and  presently  unwares 

Will  be  on  you  across  the  sea  —  Calchas  such  doom  declares. 

So  warned  hereby  for  godhead's  hurt,  in  stolen  Palladium's  stead,. 

Atonement  for  their  heavy  guilt,  this  horse  they  fashioned. 

But  him  indeed  did  Calchas  bid  to  pile  so  mountain-high 

With  such  a  might  of  mingled  beams,  and  lead  up  to  the  sky, 

Lest  it  within  the  gates  should  come,  or  mid  the  walls,  and  lest 

Beneath  their  ancient  Pallas-faith  the  people  safe  should  rest. 

For  if  upon  Minerva's  gift  ye  lay  a  godless  hand, 

Then  mighty  ruin  (and  would  to  God  before  his  face  might  stand         190 

That  ruin  instead)  on  Priam's  might,  and  Phrygian  folk  shall  fall. 

But  if  your  hands  shall  lead  it  up  within  the  city  wall, 

Then  Asia,  free  and  willing  it,  to  Pelops'  house  shall  come 

With  mighty  war ;  and  that  same  fate  our  sons  shall  follow  home.' 

Caught  by  such  snares  and  crafty  guile  of  Sinon  the  forsworn, 
By  lies  and  lies,  and  tears  forced  forth  there  were  we  overborne ; 
We,  whom  Tydides  might  not  tame,  nor  Larissaean  king 
Achilles ;  nor  the  thousand  ships,  and  ten  years'  wearying. 

But  now  another,  greater  hap,  a  very  birth  of  fear, 

Was  thrust  before  us  wretched  ones,  our  sightless  hearts  to  stir.  200 

Laocoon,  chosen  out  by  lot  for  mighty  Neptune's  priest, 

Would  sacrifice  a  mighty  bull  at  altars  of  the  feast ; 


38  THE  ^ENEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

When  lo,  away  from  Tenedos,  o'er  quiet  of  the  main 

(I  tremble  in  the  tale)  we  see  huge  coils  of  serpents  twain 

Breasting  the  sea,  and  side  by  side  swift  making  for  the  shore ; 

Whose  fronts  amid  the  flood  were  strained,  and  high  their  crests  upbore 

Blood-red  above  the  waves,  the  rest  swept  o'er  the  sea  behind, 

And  all  the  unmeasured  backs  of  them  coil  upon  coil  they  wind, 

While  sends  the  sea  great  sound  of  foam.    And  now  the  meads  they  gained, 

The  burning  eyes  with  flecks  of  blood  and  streaks  of  fire  are  stained, 

Their  mouths  with  hisses  all  fulfilled  are  licked  by  flickering  tongue.    211 

Bloodless  we  flee  the  sight,  but  they  fare  steadfastly  along 

Unto  Laocoon ;  and  first  each  serpent  round  doth  reach 

One  little  body  of  his  sons,  and  knitting  each  to  each, 

And  winding  round  and  round  about,  the  unhappy  body  gnaws : 

And  then  himself,  as  sword  in  hand  anigh  for  help  he  draws, 

They  seize  and  bind  about  in  coils  most  huge,  and  presently 

Are  folded  twice  about  his  midst,  twice  round  his  neck  they  tie 

Their  scaly  backs,  and  hang  above  with  head  and  toppling  mane, 

While  he  both  striveth  with  his  hands  to  rend  their  folds  atwain,  220 

His  fillets  covered  o'er  with  blood  and  venom  black  and  fell, 

And  starward  sendeth  forth  withal  a  cry  most  horrible, 

The  roaring  of  a  wounded  bull  who  flees  the  altar-horn 

And  shaketh  from  his  crest  away  the  axe  unhandy  borne. 

But  fleeing  to  the  shrines  on  high  do  those  two  serpents  glide, 

And  reach  the  hard  Tritonia's  house,  and  therewithin  they  hide 

Beneath  the  Goddess'  very  feet  and  orbed  shield  of  dread  ; 

Then  through  our  quaking  hearts  indeed  afresh  the  terror  spread, 

And  all  men  say  Laocoon  hath  paid  but  worthily 

For  guilt  of  his,  and  hurt  of  steel  upon  the  holy  tree,  230 

When  that  unhappy  wicked  spear  against  its  flank  he  threw. 

They  cry  to  lead  the  image  on  to  holy  house  and  due, 

And  Pallas'  godhead  to  adore. 

We  break  adown  our  rampart  walls  and  bare  the  very  town : 


BOOK  II.  39 

All  gird  themselves  unto  the  work,  set  wheels  that  it  may  glide 

Beneath  his  feet,  about  his  neck  the  hempen  bond  is  tied 

To  warp  it  on :  up  o'er  the  walls  so  climbs  the  fateful  thing 

Fruitful  of  arms ;  and  boys  about  and  unwed  maidens  sing 

The  holy  songs,  and  deem  it  joy  hand  on  the  ropes  to  lay. 

It  enters  ;  through  the  city's  midst  it  wends  its  evil  way.  240 

—  O  land !  O  Ilium,  house  of  Gods  !  O  glorious  walls  of  war ! 

O  Dardan  walls  !  —  four  times  amidst  the  threshold  of  our  door 

It  stood :  four  times  with  sound  of  arms  the  belly  of  it  rung ; 

But  heedless,  maddened  hearts  and  blind,  hard  on  the  ropes  we  hung, 

Nor  but  amidst  the  holy  burg  the  monster's  feet  we  stay. 

And  then  Cassandra  oped  her  mouth  to  tell  the  fateful  day,  — 

Her  mouth  that  by  the  Gods'  own  doom  the  Teucrians  ne'er  might  trow. 

Then  on  this  day  that  was  our  last  we  bear  the  joyous  bough, 

Poor  wretches !  through  the  town  to  deck  each  godhead's  holy  place. 

Meanwhile  the  heavens  are  faring  round,  night  falls  on  ocean's  face,    250 

Enwrapping  in  her  mighty  shade  all  earthly  things  and  sky, 

And  all  the  guile  of  Myrmidons :  silent  the  Teucrians  lie 

Through  all  the  town,  and  Sleep  her  arms  o'er  wearied  bodies  slips. 

And  now  the  Argive  host  comes  forth  upon  its  ordered  ships 

From  Tenedos,  all  hushed  amid  the  kind  moon's  silent  ways, 

Seeking  the  well-known  strand  when  forth  there  breaks  the  bale-fire's  blaze 

On  the  king's  deck  :  and  Sinon,  kept  by  God's  unequal  fate, 

For  Danaans  hid  in  horse's  womb  undoes  the  piny  gate 

In  stealthy  wise :  them  now  the  horse,  laid  open  to  the  air, 

G:ves  forth  again,  and  glad  from  out  the  hollow  wood  they  fare ;          26c 

Thessandrus,  Sthenelus,  the  dukes,  and  dire  Ulysses  pass ; 

Slipped  down  along  a  hanging  rope,  Thoas  and  Acamas, 

Peleian  Neoptolemus,  and  Machaon  the  first, 

And  Menelaus,  and  the  man  who  forged  the  guile  accursed, 

Epeos.     Through  the  city  sunk  in  sleep  and  wine  they  break, 


40  THE  ^ENEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

Slain  are  the  guards,  at  gates  all  oped  their  fellows  in  they  take, 
Till  all  their  bands  confederate  are  met  at  last  in  one. 

It  was  the  time  when  that  first  peace  of  sick  men  hath  begun, 

By  very  gift  of  God  o'er  all  in  sweetest  wise  to  creep, 

When  Hector  comes  before  mine  eyes  amid  the  dreams  of  sleep.          270 

Most  sorrowful  to  see  he  was,  and  weeping  plenteous  flood, 

And  e'en  as  torn  behind  the  car,  black  with  the  dust  and  blood, 

His  feet  all  swollen  with  the  thong  that  pierced  them  through  and  through. 

Woe  worth  the  while  for  what  he  was  !    How  changed  from  him  we  knew ! 

The  Hector  come  from  out  the  fight  in  arms  Achilles  lost, 

The  Hector  that  on  Danaan  decks  the  Phrygian  firebrands  tost. 

Foul  was  his  beard,  and  all  his  hair  was  matted  up  with  gore, 

And  on  his  body  were  the  wounds,  the  many  wounds  he  bore 

Around  his  Troy.     I  seemed  in  sleep,  I  weeping  e'en  as  he, 

To  speak  unto  the  hero  first  in  voice  of  misery :  280 

'  O  Light  of  Troy,  most  faithful  hope  of  all  the  Teucrian  men, 

What  stay  hath  held  thee  back  so  long  ?  from  what  shore  com'st  thou  then, 

Long-looked-for  Hector  ?  that  at  last,  so  many  died  away, 

Such  toil  of  city,  toil  of  men,  we  see  thy  face  today, 

We  so  forewearied  ?    What  hath  fouled  in  such  an  evil  wise 

Thy  cheerful  face  ?  what  mean  these  hurts  thou  showest  to  mine  eyes  ?' 

Nought :  nor  my  questions  void  and  vain  one  moment  turned  his  speech  ; 

Who  from  the  inmost  of  his  heart  a  heavy  groan  did  reach  : 

'  O  Goddess-born,  flee  forth,'  he  said,  '  and  snatch  thee  from  the  fire ! 

The  foeman  hath  the  walls,  and  Troy  is  down  from  topmost  spire.       290 

For  Priam  and  for  country  now  enough.     If  any  hand 

Might  have  kept  Pergamos,  held  up  by  mine  it  yet  should  stand. 

Her  holy  things  and  household  Gods  Troy  gives  in  charge  to  thee ; 

Take  these  as  fellows  of  thy  fate  :  go  forth  the  walls  to  see, 

The  great  walls  thou  shalt  build,  when  thou  the  sea  hast  wandered  o'er.' 


BOOK  II.  41 

He  spake,  and  from  the  inner  shrine  forth  in  his  hands  he  bore 
Great  Vesta,  and  the  holy  bands,  and  fire  that  never  dies. 

Meanwhile  the  city's  turmoiled  woe  was  wrought  in  diverse  wise, 

And  though  my  father's  house  aback  apart  from  all  was  set, 

And  hedged  about  with  many  trees,  clearer  and  clearer  yet  300 

The  sounds  grew  on  us,  ever  swelled  the  weapons'  dread  and  din. 

I  shake  off  sleep  and  forthwithal  climb  up  aloft  and  win 

To  topmost  roof :  with  ears  pricked  up  I  stand  to  hearken  all. 

As  when  before  the  furious  South  the  driven  flame  doth  fall 

Among  the  corn  :  or  like  as  when  the  hill-flood  rolls  in  haste 

To  waste  the  fields  and  acres  glad,  the  oxen's  toil  to  waste, 

Tearing  the  headlong  woods  along,  while  high  upon  a  stone 

The  unready  shepherd  stands  amazed,  and  hears  the  sound  come  on. 

Then  was  their  faith  made  manifest,  then  Danaan  guile  lay  bare  j 

Deiphobus'  wide  house  e'en  now,  o'ertopped  by  Vulcan's  flare,  310 

Shows  forth  its  fall ;  Ucalegon's  is  burning  by  its  side : 

The  narrow  seas  Sigaeum  guards  gleam  litten  far  and  wide. 

The  shout  of  men  ariseth  now,  and  blaring  of  the  horn, 

And  mad,  I  catch  my  weapons  up  though  idly  they  be  borne ; 

But  burned  my  heart  to  gather  folk  for  battle,  and  set  forth 

Upon  the  burg  in  fellowship  ;  for  fury  and  great  wrath 

Thrust  on  my  heart :  to  die  in  arms,  it  seemed  a  good  reward. 

But  lo,  now  Panthus  newly  slipped  from  'neath  the  Achean  sword, 

Panthus  the  son  of  Othrys,  priest  of  Phoebus'  house  on  high ; 

His  holy  things  and  vanquished  Gods,  his  little  lad  thereby  320 

He  drags,  and  as  a  madman  runs,  to  gain  our  doorway  set. 

'  Panthus,  how  fares  it  at  the  worst  ?  what  stronghold  keep  we  yet  ? ' 

Scarce  had  I  said,  when  from  his  mouth  a  groan  and  answer  fares  : 

'  Troy's  latest  day  has  come  on  us,  a  tide  no  struggling  wears : 
Time  was,  the  Trojans  were ;  time  was,  and  Ilium  stood ;  time  was, 


42  THE  ^ENEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

And  gloiy  of  the  Teucrian  folk  !     Jove  biddeth  all  to  pass 

To  Argos  now :  in  Troy  afire  the  Danaans  now  are  lords  ; 

The  horse  high  set  amidst  the  town  pours  forth  a  flood  of  swords, 

And  Sinon,  of  the  victors  now,  the  flame  is  driving  home 

High  mocking :  by  the  open  gates  another  sort  is  come,  330 

As  many  thousands  as  ere  flocked  from  great  Mycenae  yet : 

Others  with  weapons  ready  dight  the  narrow  ways  beset, 

And  ban  all  passage ;  point  and  edge  are  glittering  drawn  and  bare 

Ready  for  death :  and  scarcely  now  the  first  few  gate-wards  dare 

The  battle,  and  blind  game  of  Mars  a  little  while  debate.' 

Spurred  by  such  speech  of  Othrys'  son,  and  force  of  godhead  great, 

Mid  fire  and  steel  I  follow  on  as  grim  Erinnys  shows, 

Where  call  the  cries,  where  calls  the  shout  that  ever  heavenward  goes. 

Rhipeus  therewith,  and  Epytus  the  mighty  under  shield, 

Dymas  and  Hypanis  withal  their  fellowship  now  yield  ;  340 

Met  by  the  moon  they  join  my  side  with  young  Corcebus  ;  he 

The  son  of  Mygdon,  at  that  tide  in  Troy-town  chanced  to  be  ; 

Drawn  thither  by  Cassandra's  love  that  burned  within  his  heart. 

So  he  to  Priam  service  gave,  and  helped  the  Phrygian  part : 

Unhappy  !  that  the  warning  word  of  his  God-maddened  love 

He  might  not  hearken  on  that  day. 

Now  when  I  see  them  gathered  so  to  dare  the  battle's  pain, 

Thus  I  begin : 

1 0  fellows  fair,  O  hardy  hearts  in  vain ! 
If  now  ye  long  to  follow  me  who  dares  the  utterance 
And  certain  end,  ye  see  indeed  what  wise  our  matters  chance.  350 

The  Gods,  who  in  the  other  days  our  lordship  mighty  made, 
Are  gone  from  altar  and  from  shrine  :  a  town  of  flames  ye  aid. 
Fall  on  a  very  midst  the  fire  and  die  in  press  of  war  ! 
One  hope  there  is  for  vanquished  men,  to  cherish  hope  no  more.' 

Therewith  the  fury  of  their  minds  I  feed,  and  thence  away, 


BOOK  II.  43 

As  ravening  wolves  by  night  and  cloud  their  bellies'  lust  obey, 

That  bitter-sharp  is  driving  on,  the  while  their  whelps  at  home 

Dry-jawed  await  them,  so  by  steel,  by  crowd  of  foes  we  come 

Into  the  very  death  ;  we  hold  the  city's  midmost  street, 

Black  night-tide's  wings  with  hollow  shade  about  our  goings  meet.      360 

O  ruin  and  death  of  that  ill  night,  what  tongue  may  set  it  forth ! 

Or  who  may  pay  the  debt  of  tears  that  agony  was  worth  ! 

The  ancient  city  overthrown,  lord  for  so  many  a  year, 

The  many  bodies  of  the  slain,  that,  moveless,  everywhere 

Lie  in  the  street,  in  houses  lie,  lie  round  the  holy  doors 

Of  Gods.     But  not  alone  that  night  the  blood  of  Teucrians  pours, 

For  whiles  the  valour  comes  again  in  vanquished  hearts  to  bide, 

And  conquering  Danaans  fall  and  die :  grim  grief  on  every  side, 

And  fear  on  every  side  there  is,  and  many-faced  is  death. 

Androgeus,  whom  a  mighty  band  of  Danaans  followeth,  370 

First  falleth  on  the  road  of  us,  and,  deeming  us  to  be 
His  fellow-folk,  in  friendly  words  he  speaketh  presently  : 

'  Haste  on,  O  men  !  what  sloth  is  this  delayeth  so  your  ways  ? 
While  others  hand  and  haul  away  in  Pergamos  ablaze ; 
What !  fellows,  from  the  lofty  ships  come  ye  but  even  now  ? ' 

But  with  the  word,  no  answer  had  wherein  at  all  to  trow, 

He  felt  him  fallen  amid  the  foe,  and  taken  in  the  snare ; 

Then  foot  and  voice  aback  he  drew,  and  stood  amazed  there, 

As  one  who  through  the  thicket  thrusts,  and  unawares  doth  tread 

Upon  a  snake,  and  starts  aback  with  sudden  rush  of  dread  380 

From  gathering  anger  of  the  thing  and  swelling  neck  of  blue : 

So,  quaking  at  the  sight  of  us,  Androgeus  backward  drew. 

But  we  fall  on  with  serried  arms  and  round  their  rout  we  crowd, 

And  fell  them  knowing  nought  the  place,  and  with  all  terror  cowed  : 


44  THE  ^ENEIDS  OF  VIRGIL. 

So  sweet  the  breath  of  fortune  was  on  our  first  handicraft. 

But  with  goodhap  and  hardihood  Coroebus'  spirit  laughed  ; 

4  Come,  fellows,  follow  up,'  he  cries,  'the  way  that  fortune  shows 

This  first  of  times,  and  where  belike  a  little  kind  she  grows. 

Change  we  our  shields,  and  do  on  us  the  tokens  of  the  Greeks ; 

Whether  with  fraud  or  force  he  play  what  man  of  foeman  seeks,  390 

Yea,  these  themselves  shall  give  us  arms.' 

He  spake,  and  forth  did  bear 

Androgeus'  high-crested  helm  and  shield  emblazoned  fair, 
And  did  it  on,  and  Argive  sword  he  girt  unto  his  thigh : 
So  Rhipeus  did,  and  Dymas  did,  and  all  did  joyously, 
And  each  man  wholly  armed  himself  with  plunder  newly  won. 
Then  mingled  with  the  Greeks  we  fare,  and  no  God  helps  us  on, 
And  many  a  battle  there  we  join  amid  the  eyeless  night, 
And  many  a  Danaan  send  adown  to  Orcus  from  the  light : 
Some  fled  away  unto  the  ships,  some  to  the  safe  sea-shore,  399 

Or  smitten  with  the  coward's  dread  climbed  the  great  horse  once  more 
And  there  they  lie  all  close  within  the  well-known  womb  of  wood. 

Alas  !  what  skills  it  man  to  trust  in  Gods  compelled  to  good .' 

For  lo,  Cassandra,  Priam's  maid,  with  hair  cast  all  about, 

From  Pallas'  house  and  innermost  of  holy  place  dragged  out, 

And  straining  with  her  burning  eyes  in  vain  to  heaven  aloft ; 

Her  eyes,  for  they  in  bonds  had  bound  her  tender  palms  and  soft 

Nought  bore  Corcebus'  maddened  mind  to  see  that  show  go  by, 

And  in  the  middle  of  their  host  he  flung  himself  to  die, 

And  all  we  follow  and  fall  on  with  points  together  set. 

And  first  from  that  high  temple-top  great  overthrow  we  get  410 

From  weapons  of  our  friends,  and  thence  doth  hapless  death  arise 

From  error  of  the  Greekish  crests  and  armour's  Greekish  guise ; 

Then  crying  out  for  taken  maid,  fulfilled  thereat  with  wrath, 

The  gathered  Greeks  fall  in  on  us  :  comes  keenest  Ajax  forth ; 


BOOK  II.  45 

The  sons  of  Atreus,  all  the  host  of  Dolopes  are  there :  — 

As  whiles,  the  knit  whirl  broken  up,  the  winds  together  bear 

And  strive,  the  West  wind  and  the  South,  the  East  wind  glad  and  free 

With  Eastland  steeds ;  sore  groan  the  woods ;  and  Nereus  stirs  the  sea 

From  lowest  deeps,  and  trident  shakes,  and  foams  upon  the  wave :  — 

They  even  to  whom  by  night  and  cloud  great  overthrow  we  gave,        420 

Through  craft  of  ours,  and  drave  about  through  all  the  town  that  while, 

Now  show  themselves,  and  know  our  shields  and  weapons  worn  for  guile 

The  first  of  all ;  our  mouths  unmeet  for  Greekish  speech  they  tell. 

Then  o'er  us  sweeps  the  multitude ;  and  first  Corcebus  fell 

By  Peneleus  before  the  maid  who  ever  in  the  fight 

Prevail  eth  most ;  fell  Rhipeus  there,  the  heedfullest  of  right 

Of  all  among  the  Teucrian  folk,  the  justest  man  of  men ; 

The  Gods  deemed  otherwise.     Dymas  and  Hypanis  died  then, 

Shot  through  by  friends,  and  not  a  whit  availed  to  cover  thee, 

O  Panthus,  thine  Apollo's  bands  or  plenteous  piety.  430 

Ashes  of  Ilium,  ye  last  flames  where  my  beloved  ones  burned, 

Bear  witness  mid  your  overthrow  my  face  was  never  turned 

From  Danaan  steel  and  Danaan  deed !  if  fate  had  willed  it  so 

That  I  should  fall,  I  earned  my  wage. 

Borne  thence  away,  we  go 
Pelias  and  Iphitus  and  I ;  but  Iphitus  was  spent 
By  eld,  and  by  Ulysses'  hurt  half  halting  Pelias  went. 
So  unto  Priam's  house  we  come,  called  by  the  clamour  there, 
Where  such  a  mighty  battle  was  as  though  none  otherwhere 
Yet  burned :  as  though  none  others  fell  in  all  the  town  beside. 
There  all  unbridled  Mars  we  saw,  the  Danaans  driving  wide  440 

Against  the  house ;  with  shield-roofs'  rush  the  doors  thereof  beset. 
The  ladders  cling  unto  the  walls,  men  by  the  door-posts  get 
Some  foothold  up ;  with  shielded  left  they  meet  the  weapons'  rain, 
While  on  the  battlements  above  grip  with  the  right  they  gain. 
The  Dardans  on  the  other  side  pluck  roof  and  pinnacle 
From  off  the  house  ;  with  such-like  shot  they  now,  beholding  well 


46  THE  ^ENEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

The  end  anigh,  all  death  at  hand,  make  ready  for  the  play : 

And  gilded  beams,  the  pomp  and  joy  of  fathers  passed  away, 

They  roll  adown,  and  other  some  with  naked  point  and  edge 

The  nether  doorways  of  the  place  in  close  arrayment  hedge.  450 

Blazed  up  our  hearts  again  to  aid  this  palace  of  a  king, 

To  stead  their  toil,  to  vanquished  men  a  little  help  to  bring. 

A  door  there  was,  a  secret  pass  into  the  common  way 

Of  all  King  Priam's  houses  there,  that  at  the  backward  lay 

As  one  goes  by :  in  other  days,  while  yet  the  lordship  was, 

Hapless  Andromache  thereby  unto  the  twain  would  pass 

Alone,  or  leading  to  the  king  Astyanax  her  boy. 

And  thereby  now  I  gain  the  tower,  whence  wretched  men  of  Troy 

In  helpless  wise  from  out  their  hands  were  casting  darts  aloof. 

There  was  a  tower,  a  sheer  hight  down,  builded  from  highest  roof        460 

Up  toward  the  stars  ;  whence  we  were  wont  on  Troy  to  look  adown, 

And  thence  away  the  Danaan  ships,  the  Achaean  tented  town. 

Against  the  highest  stage  hereof  the  steel  about  we  bear, 

Just  where  the  joints  do  somewhat  give :  this  from  its  roots  we  tear, 

And  heave  it  up  and  over  wall,  whose  toppling  at  the  last 

Bears  crash  and  ruin,  and  wide  away  the  Danaans  are  down  cast 

Beneath  its  fall :  but  more  come  on :  nor  drift  of  stones  doth  lack, 

Nor  doth  all  kind  of  weapon-shot  at  any  while  grow  slack. 

Lo,  Pyrrhus  in  the  very  porch  forth  to  the  door  doth  pass 

Exulting  ;  bright  with  glittering  points  and  flashing  of  the  brass  ;          470 

—  E'en  as  a  snake  to  daylight  come,  on  evil  herbage  fed, 

Who,  swollen,  'neath  the  chilly  soil  hath  had  his  winter  bed, 

And  now,  his  ancient  armour  doffed,  and  sleek  with  youth  new  found, 

With  front  upreared  his  slippery  back  he  coileth  o'er  the  ground 

Up  'neath  the  sun ;  his  three-cleft  tongue  within  his  mouth  gleams  clear :  — 

And  with  him  Periphas  the  huge,  Achilles'  charioteer, 

Now  shield-bearer  Automedon  and  all  the  Scyrian  host 


BOOK  II.  47 

Closed  on  the  walls  and  on  the  roof  the  blazing  firebrands  tost. 

Pyrrhus  in  forefront  of  them  all  catches  a  mighty  bill, 

Beats  in  the  hardened  door,  and  tears  perforce  from  hinge  and  sill      480 

The  brazen  leaves  ;  a  beam  hewn  through,  wide  gaped  the  oak  hard  knit 

Into  a  great-mouthed  window  there,  and  through  the  midst  of  it 

May  men  behold  the  inner  house ;  the  long  halls  open  lie ; 

Bared  is  the  heart  of  Priam's  home,  the  place  of  kings  gone  by  ; 

And  close  against  the  very  door  all  armed  men  they  see. 

That  inner  house  indeed  was  mazed  with  wail  and  misery, 

The  inmost  chambers  of  the  place  an  echoing  hubbub  hold 

Of  women's  cries,  whose  clamour  smites  the  far-off  stars  of  gold, 

And  through  the  house  so  mighty  great  the  fearful  mothers  stray, 

And  wind  their  arms  about  the  doors,  and  kisses  on  them  lay.  490 

But  Pyrrhus  with  his  father's  might  comes  on  ;  no  bolt  avails, 

No  man  against  the  might  of  him  ;  the  door  all  battered  fails, 

The  door-leaves  torn  from  off  of  hinge  tumble  and  lie  along : 

Might  maketh  road ;  through  passage  forced  the  entering  Danaans  throng, 

And  slay  the  first  and  fill  the  place  with  armour  of  their  ranks. 

Nay  nought  so  great  is  foaming  flood  that  through  its  bursten  banks 

Breaks  forth,  and  beateth  down  the  moles  that  'gainst  its  going  stand, 

And  falls  a  fierce  heap  on  the  plain,  and  over  all  the  land 

Drags  off  the  herds  and  herd-houses. 

There  saw  I  Pyrrhus  wild 

With  death  of  men  amidst  the  door,  and  either  Atreus'  child ;  500 

And  Hecuba  and  hundred  wives  her  sons  wed  saw  I  there, 
And  Priam  fouling  with  his  blood  the  very  altars  fair 
Whose  fires  he  hallowed :  fifty  beds  the  hope  of  house  to  be, 
The  doorways  proud  with  outland  gold  and  war-got  bravery 
Sunk  into  ash  ;  where  fire  hath  failed  the  Danaans  are  enow. 

Belike  what  fate  on  Priam  fell  thou  askest  me  to  show  • 


48  THE  ^ENEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

For  when  he  saw  the  city  lost,  and  his  own  house-door  stormed, 

And  how  in  bowels  of  his  house  the  host  of  foemen  swarmed, 

The  ancient  man  in  vain  does  on  the  arms  long  useless  laid 

About  his  quaking  back  of  eld,  and  girds  himself  with  blade  510 

Of  no  avail,  and  fareth  forth  amid  the  press  to  die. 

A  very  midmost  of  the  courts  beneath  the  naked  sky 

A  mighty  altar  stood  :  anear  a  bay  exceeding  old, 

The  altar  and  the  Gods  thereof  did  all  in  shadow  hoid ; 

And  round  about  that  altar-stead  sat  Hecuba  the  queen, 

And  many  daughters :  e'en  as  doves  all  huddled  up  are  seen 

'Neath  the  black  storm  they  cling  about  the  dear  God's  images. 

But  when  in  arms  of  early  days  King  Priam  now  she  sees, 

She  crieth :  '  O  unhappy  spouse  !  what  evil  heart  hast  thou, 

With  weapons  thus  to  gird  thyself,  or  whither  wilt  thou  now?  520 

Today  avail  eth  no  such  help,  and  no  such  warder's  stay 

May  better  aught ;  not  even  were  my  Hector  here  today. 

But  come  thou  hither  unto  me  ;  this  altar  all  shall  save, 

Or  we  shall  die  together  here ! ' 

Her  arms  about  she  gave 
And  took  him,  and  the  elder  set  adown  in  holy  stead. 

But  lo  !  now  one  of  Priam's  sons,  Polites,  having  fled 

From  Pyrrhus'  murder  through  the  swords  and  through  the  foeman's  throng. 

Runs  wounded  through  the  empty  hall  from  out  the  cloister  long, 

And  burning  Pyrrhus,  hard  at  heel,  the  deadly  hurt  doth  bear, 

And  grip  of  hand  is  on  him  now,  and  now  the  point  of  spear.  530 

But  as  he  rushed  before  their  eyes,  his  parents'  face  beneath 

He  fell,  and  with  most  plenteous  blood  shed  forth  his  latest  breath ; 

Then  Priam,  howsoever  nigh  the  very  death  might  grip, 

Refrained  him  nothing  at  the  sight,  but  voice  and  wrath  let  slip  : 

'  Ah,  for  such  wickedness,'  he  cried,  '  for  daring  such  a  deed, 

If  aught  abide  in  heaven  as  yet  such  things  as  this  to  heed, 


BOOK  II.  49 

May  the  Gods  give  thee  worthy  thanks,  and  pay  thee  well-earned  prize, 

That  thou  hast  set  the  death  of  sons  before  my  father's  eyes, 

That  thou  thy  murder's  fouling  thus  in  father's  face  hast  flung. 

Not  he,  Achilles,  whence  indeed  thou  liar  hast  never  sprung,  540 

Was  such  a  foe  to  Priam  erst ;  for  shamfast  meed  he  gave 

To  law  and  troth  of  suppliant  men,  and  rendered  to  the  grave 

The  bloodless  Hector  dead,  and  me  sent  to  mine  own  again.' 

So  spake  the  elder,  and  cast  forth  a  toothless  spear  and  vain, 
That  forthwith  from  the  griding  brass  was  put  aback  all  spent, 
And  from  the  shield-boss'  outer  skin  hung  down,  for  nothing  sent 
Then  Pyrrhus  cried :  '  Yea  tell  him  this,  go  take  the  tidings  down 
To  Peleus'  son  my  father  then,  of  Pyrrhus  worser  grown 
And  all  these  evil  deeds  of  mine  !  take  heed  to  tell  the  tale  1 
Now  die ! ' 

And  to  the  altar-stone  him  quivering  did  he  hail,  550 

And  sliding  in  his  own  son's  blood  so  plenteous :  in  his  hair 
Pyrrhus  his  left  hand  wound,  his  right  the  gleaming  sword  made  bare, 
That  even  to  the  hilts  thereof  within  his  flank  he  hid. 
Such  was  the  end  of  Priam's  day,  such  faring  forth  fate  bid, 
Troy  all  aflame  upon  the  road,  all  Pergamos  adown. 
He,  of  so  many  peoples  once  the  m'.ghty  lord  and  crown, 
So  many  lands  of  Asia  once,  a  trunk  beside  the  sea 
Huge  with  its  headless  shoulders  laid,  a  nameless  corpse  is  he. 

Then  first  within  the  compassing  of  bitter  fear  I  was  ; 
The  image  of  my  father  dear  by  me  all  mazed  did  pass,  560 

When  I  beheld  the  like-aged  king  gasping  his  life  away 
Through  cruel  wound  :  upon  mine  eyes  forlorn  Creusa  lay, 
The  wasted  house,  my  little  one,  lulus',  evil  end. 
I  look  aback  to  see  what  folk  about  me  yet  do  wend, 
But  all,  foredone,  had  fallen  away,  their  weary  bodies  spent, 
Some  all  amid  the  fire  had  cast,  some  unto  earth  had  sent. 

4 


5o  THE  ^ENEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

Alone  was  I  of  all  men  now,  when  lo,  in  Vesta's  house 

Abiding,  and  in  inmost  nook  silent  and  lurking  close, 

Helen  the  seed  of  Tyndarus !  the  clear  fires  give  her  light 

As  there  she  strayeth,  turning  eyes  on  every  shifting  sight ;  570 

She,  fearful  of  the  Teucrian  wrath  for  Pergamos  undone, 

And  fearful  of  the  Danaan  wrath  and  husband  left  alone, 

The  wasting  fury  both  of  Troy  and  land  where  she  was  born, 

She  hid  her  by  the  altar-stead,  a  thing  of  Gods  forlorn. 

Forth  blazed  the  wildfire  in  my  soul,  wrath  stirred  me  up  to  slake 

My  vengeance  for  my  dying  home,  and  ill's  atonement  take. 

What !  should  she  come  to  Sparta  safe,  and  her  Mycenae  then, 

And  in  the  hard-won  triumphing  go  forth  a  Queen  of  men, 

And  see  her  husband  and  her  home,  her  parents  and  her  sons, 

Served  by  the  throng  of  Ilian  wives  and  Phrygian  vanquished  ones  ?    580 

Shall  Priam  so  be  slain  with  sword ;  shall  Troy  so  blaze  aloft ; 

Shall  the  sea-beach  the  Dardan  blood  have  sweat  so  oft  and  oft 

For  this  ?     Nay,  nay  :  and  though  forsooth  no  deed  to  blaze  abroad 

The  slaying  of  a  woman  be,  nor  gaineth  fame's  reward, 

Yet  still  to  quench  an  evil  thing  and  pay  the  well-earned  meed 

Is  worthy  praise ;  and  joy  it  were  unto  the  full  to  feed 

My  heart's  fell  flame,  and  satisfy  these  ashes  well  beloved. 

Such  things  my  soul  gave  forth ;  such  things  in  furious  heart  I  moved. 

When  lo,  my  holy  mother  now,  ne'er  seen  by  eyes  of  mine 

So  clear  before,  athwart  the  dark  in  simple  light  did  shine ;  590 

All  God  she  was  ;  of  countenance  and  measure  was  she  nought, 

But  her  the  heaven-abiders  see  ;  so  my  right  hand  she  caught, 

And  held  me,  and  from  rosy  mouth  moreover  added  word : 

'  O  son,  what  anger  measureless  thy  mighty  grief  hath  stirred  ? 
Why  ragest  thou  ?  or  whither  then  is  gone  thy  heed  of  me  ? 
Wilt  thou  not  first  behold  the  place  where  worn  by  eld  is  he, 


BOOK  II.  51 

Anchises,  left  ?    Wilt  thou  not  see  if  yet  thy  wife  abide 

Creusa,  or  Ascanius  yet  ?    The  Greekish  bands  fare  wide 

About  them  now  on  every  hand,  and  but  my  care  withstood 

The  fire  had  wafted  them  away  or  sword  had  drunk  their  blood.  600 

Laconian  Helen's  beauty  cursed  this  overthrow  ne'er  wrought, 

Nor  guilty  Paris  ;  nay,  the  Gods,  the  Gods  who  pity  nought, 

Have  overturned  your  lordship  fair,  and  laid  your  Troy  alow. 

Behold  !  I  draw  aside  the  cloud  that  all  abroad  doth  flow, 

Dulling  the  eyes  of  mortal  men,  and  darkening  dewily 

The  world  about.     And  look  to  it  no  more  afeard  to  be 

Of  what  I  bid,  nor  evermore  thy  mother's  word  disown. 

There  where  thou  seest  the  great  walls  cleft,  and  stone  torn  off  from  stone, 

And  seest  the  waves  of  smoke  go  by  with  mingled  dust-cloud  rolled,  — 

There  Neptune  shakes  the  walls  and  stirs  the  foundings  from  their  hold 

With  mighty  trident,  tumbling  down  the  city  from  its  base.  611 

There  by  the  Scasan  gates  again  hath  bitter  Juno  place 

The  first  of  all,  and  wild  and  mad,  herself  begirt  with  steel, 

Calls  up  her  fellows  from  the  ships. 

Look  back !     Tritonian  Pallas  broods  o'er  topmost  burg  on  high, 

All  flashing  bright  with  Gorgon  grim  from  out  her  stormy  sky ; 

The  very  Father  hearteneth  on,  and  stays  with  happy  might 

The  Danaans,  crying  on  the  Gods  against  the  Dardan  fight. 

Snatch  flight,  O  son,  whiles  yet  thou  may'st,  and  let  thy  toil  be  o'er, 

I  by  thy  side  will  bring  thee  safe  unto  thy  father's  door.'  620 

She  spake,  and  hid  herself  away  where  thickest  darkness  poured. 
Then  dreadful  images  show  forth,  great  Godheads  are  abroad, 
The  very  haters  of  our  Troy. 

And  then  indeed  before  mine  eyes  all  Ilium  sank  in  flame, 
And  overturned  was  Neptune's  Troy  from  its  foundations  deep. 
E'en  as  betideth  with  an  ash  upon  the  mountain  steep, 
Round  which  sore  smitten  by  the  steel  the  acre-biders  throng, 
And  strive  in  speeding  of  the  axe :  and  there  it  threateneth  long, 


S2  THE  ^ENEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

And,  shaken,  trembleth  nodding  still  with  heavy  head  of  leaf ; 

Till  overcome  by  many  hurts  it  groans  its  latest  grief,  630 

And  torn  from  out  the  ridgy  hill,  drags  all  its  ruin  alow. 

I  get  me  down,  and,  Goddess-led,  speed  on  'twixt  fire  and  foe, 

And  point  and  edge  give  place  to  me,  before  me  sinks  the  flame, 

But  when  unto  my  father's  door  and  ancient  house  I  came, 

And  I  was  fain  of  all  things  first  my  father  forth  to  bear 

Unto  the  mountain-tops,  and  first  I  sought  to  find  him  there, 

Still  he  gainsayed  to  spin  out  life  now  Troy  was  lost  and  dead, 

Or  suffer  exile :  '  Ye  whose  blood  is  hale  with  youth,'  he  said, 

'  Ye  other  ones,  whose  might  and  main  endureth  and  is  stout, 

See  ye  to  flight  while  yet  ye  may !  640 

Full  surely  if  the  heavenly  ones  my  longer  life  had  willed, 

They  would  have  kept  me  this  abode  :  the  measure  is  fulfilled 

In  that  the  murder  I  have  seen,  and  lived  when  Troy-town  fell. 

O  ye,  depart,  when  ye  have  bid  my  body  streaked  farewell. 

My  hand  itself  shall  find  out  death,  or  pity  of  my  foes, 

Who  seek  my  spoils :  the  tomb  methinks  a  little  thing  to  lose. 

Forsooth  I  tarry  overlong,  God-cursed,  a  useless  thing, 

Since  when  the  Father  of  the  Gods,  the  earth-abiders'  King, 

Blew  on  me  blast  of  thunder-wind  and  touched  me  with  his  flame.' 

His  deed  was  stubborn  as  his  word,  no  change  upon  him  came.  650 

But  all  we  weeping  many  tears,  my  wife  Creusa  there, 

Ascanius,  yea  and  all  the  house,  besought  him  not  to  bear 

All  things  to  wrack  with  him,  nor  speed  the  hastening  evil  tide. 

He  gainsaith  all,  and  in  his  will  and  home  will  yet  abide. 

So  wretchedly  I  rush  to  arms  with  all  intent  to  die ; 

For  what  availeth  wisdom  now,  what  hope  in  fate  may  lie  ? 

'  And  didst  thou  hope,  O  father,  then,  that  thou  being  left  behind, 
My  foot  would  fare  ?    Woe  worth  the  word  that  in  thy  mouth  I  find  1 


BOOK  II.  53 

But  if  the  Gods  are  loth  one  whit  of  such  a  town  to  save, 

And  thou  with  constant  mind  wilt  cast  on  dying  Troy-town's  grave      660 

Both  thee  and  thine,  wide  is  the  door  to  wend  adown  such  ways ; 

For  Pyrrhus,  red  with  Priam's  blood,  is  hard  at  hand,  who  slays 

The  son  before  the  father's  face,  the  father  slays  upon 

The  altar.     Holy  Mother,  then,  for  this  thou  ledst  me  on 

Through  fire  and  sword !  —  that  I  might  see  our  house  filled  with  the  foe, 

My  father  old,  Ascanius,  Creusa  lying  low, 

All  weltering  in  each  other's  blood,  and  murdered  wretchedly. 

Arms,  fellows,  arms  !  the  last  day's  light  on  vanquished  men  doth  cry. 

Ah !  give  me  to  the  Greeks  again,  that  I  may  play  the  play 

Another  while :  not  unavenged  shall  all  we  die  today.'  670 

So  was  I  girt  with  sword  again,  and  in  my  shield  would  set 
My  left  hand  now,  and  was  in  point  from  out  of  doors  to  get, 
When  lo,  my  wife  about  my  feet  e'en  in  the  threshold  clung, 
Still  to  his  father  reaching  out  lulus  tender-young : 
'  If  thou  art  on  thy  way  to  die,  then  bear  us  through  it  all ; 
But  if  to  thee  the  wise  in  arms  some  hope  of  arms  befall, 
Then  keep  this  house  first !     Unto  whom  giv'st  thou  lulus'  life, 
Thy  father's,  yea  and  mine  withal,  that  once  was  called  thy  wife  ? ' 

So  crying  out,  the  house  she  filled  with  her  exceeding  moan, 

When  sudden,  wondrous  to  be  told,  a  portent  was  there  shown ;  680 

For  as  his  woeful  parents'  hands  and  lips  he  hangs  between, 

On  topmost  of  lulus'  head  a  thin  peaked  flame  is  seen, 

That  with  the  harmless  touch  of  fire,  whence  clearest  light  is  shed, 

Licks  his  soft  locks  and  pastures  round  the  temples  of  his  head. 

Quaking  with  awe  from  out  his  hair  we  fall  the  fire  to  shake, 

And  bring  the  water  of  the  well  the  holy  flame  to  slake. 

But  joyous  to  the  stars  aloft  Anchises  raiseth  eyes, 

And  with  his  hands  spread  out  abroad  to  very  heaven  he  cries : 

'  Almighty  Jove,  if  thou  hast  will  toward  any  prayers  to  turn, 


54  THE  ^ENEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

Look  down  on  us  this  while  alone  j  if  aught  our  goodness  earn,  690 

Father,  give  help  and  strengthen  us  these  omens  from  the  sky ! ' 

Scarce  had  the  elder  said  the  word  ere  crashing  suddenly 
It  thundered  on  the  left,  and  down  across  the  shades  of  night 
Ran  forth  a  great  brand-bearing  star  with  most  abundant  light ; 
And  clear  above  the  topmost  house  we  saw  it  how  it  slid 
Lightening  the  ways,  and  at  the  last  in  Ida's  forest  hid. 
Then  through  the  sky  a  furrow  ran  drawn  out  a  mighty  space, 
Giving  forth  light,  and  sulphur-fumes  rose  all  about  the  place. 

My  father  vanquished  therewithal  his  visage  doth  upraise, 

And  saith  a  word  unto  the  Gods  that  holy  star  to  praise  :  700 

'  Now,  now,  no  tarrying  is  at  all,  I  follow  where  ye  lead ; 

0  Father-Gods  heed  ye  our  house  and  this  my  son's  son  heed  ! 
This  is  your  doom ;  and  Troy  is  held  beneath  your  majesty. 

1  yield,  O  son,  nor  more  gainsay  to  go  my  ways  with  thee.' 

He  spake  ;  and  mid  the  walls  meanwhile  we  hear  the  fire  alive 

Still  clearer,  and  the  burning  place  more  nigh  the  heat  doth  drive. 

'  O  hasten,  father  well-beloved,  to  hang  about  my  neck ! 

Lo,  here  my  shoulders  will  I  stoop,  nor  of  the  labour  reck. 

And  whatsoever  may  befall,  the  two  of  us  shall  bide 

One  peril  and  one  heal  and  end  :  lulus  by  my  side  710 

Shall  wend,  and  after  us  my  wife  shall  follow  on  my  feet. 

Ye  serving-folk,  turn  ye  your  minds  these  words  of  mine  to  meet : 

Scant  from  the  city  is  a  mound  and  temple  of  old  tide, 

Of  Ceres'  lone,  a  cypress-tree  exceeding  old  beside, 

Kept  by  our  fathers'  worshipping  through  many  years  agone : 

Thither  by  divers  roads  go  we  to  meet  at  last  in  one. 

Now,  father,  take  thy  fathers'  Gods  and  holy  things  to  hold, 

For  me  to  touch  them  fresh  from  fight  and  murder  were  o'erbold, 

A  misdeed  done  against  the  Gods,  till  in  the  living  flood 


BOOK  II.  55 

I  made  a  shift  to  wash  me  clean.'  720 

I  stooped  my  neck  and  shoulders  broad  e'en  as  the  word  I  said, 
A  forest  lion's  yellow  fell  for  cloth  upon  them  laid, 
And  took  my  burden  up  :  my  young  lulus  by  my  side, 
Holding  my  hand,  goes  tripping  short  unto  his  father's  stride ; 
My  wife  comes  after  :  on  we  fare  amidst  a  murky  world. 
And  I,  erewhile  as  nothing  moved  by  storm  of  weapons  hurled, 
I,  who  the  gathering  of  the  Greeks  against  me  nothing  feared, 
Now  tremble  at  each  breath  of  wind,  by  every  sound  am  stirred, 
Sore  troubled  for  my  fellows  both,  and  burden  that  I  bore. 

And  now  we  draw  anigh  the  gates,  and  all  the  way  seemed  o'er,          730 
When  sudden  sound  of  falling  feet  was  borne  upon  our  ears, 
And  therewithal  my  father  cries,  as  through  the  dusk  he  peers, 
'  Haste,  son,  and  get  thee  swift  away,  for  they  are  on  us  now ; 
I  see  the  glittering  of  the  brass  and  all  their  shields  aglow.' 

What  godhead  nought  a  friend  to  me  amidst  my  terror  there 

Snatched  wit  away  I  nothing  know :  for  while  I  swiftly  fare 

By  wayless  places,  wandering  wide  from  out  the  road  I  knew, 

Creusa,  whether  her  the  Fates  from  me  unhappy  drew, 

Whether  she  wandered  from  the  way,  or  weary  lagged  aback, 

Nought  know  I,  but  that  her  henceforth  mine  eyes  must  ever  lack.       740 

Nor  turned  I  round  to  find  her  lost,  nor  had  it  in  my  thought, 

Till  to  that  mound  and  ancient  house  of  Ceres  we  were  brought; 

Where,  all  being  come  together  now,  there  lacked  but  her  alone, 

And  there  her  fellows'  hopes,  her  son's,  her  husband's  were  undone. 

On  whom  of  men,  on  whom  of  Gods,  then  laid  I  not  the  guilt? 
What  saw  I  bitterer  to  be  borne  in  all  the  city  spilt  ? 
Ascanius  and  Anchises  set  the  Teucrian  Gods  beside, 
I  give  unto  my  fellows  there  in  hollow  dale  to  hide, 


56  THE  ^ENEIDS  OF  VIRGIL. 

But  I  unto  the  city  turn  with  glittering  weapons  girt  ; 

Needs  must  I  search  all  Troy  again,  and  open  every  hurt,  750 

And  into  every  peril  past  must  thrust  my  head  once  more. 

And  first  I  reach  the  walls  again  and  mirk  ways  of  the  door 

Whereby  I  wended  out  erewhile ;  and  my  old  footsteps'  track 

I  find,  and  mid  the  dusk  of  night  with  close  eyes  follow  back  ; 

While  on  the  heart  lies  weight  of  fear,  and  e'en  the  hush  brings  dread. 

Thence  to  the  house,  if  there  perchance,  if  there  again  she  tread, 

I  go :  infall  of  Greeks  had  been,  and  all  the  house  they  hold, 

And  'neath  the  wind  the  ravening  fire  to  highest  ridge  is  rolled. 

The  flames  hang  o'er,  with  raging  heat  the  heavens  are  hot  withal ; 

Still  on :  I  look  on  Priam's  house  and  topmost  castle-wall  j  760 

And  in  the  desert  cloisters  there  and  Juno's  very  home 

Lo,  Phoenix  and  Ulysses  cursed,  the  chosen  wards,  are  come 

To  keep  the  spoil ;  fair  things  of  Troy,  from  everywhither  brought, 

Rapt  from  the  burning  of  the  shrines,  Gods'  tables  rudely  caught, 

And  beakers  utterly  of  gold  and  raiments  snatched  away 

Are  there  heaped  up  ;  and  boys  and  wives  drawn  out  in  long  array 

Stand  trembling  round  about  the  heap. 

And  now  withal  I  dared  to  cast  my  cries  upon  the  dark, 

I  fill  the  streets  with  clamour  great,  and,  groaning  woefully, 

'  Creusa,'  o'er  and  o'er  again  without  avail  I  cry.  770 

But  as  I  sought  and  endlessly  raved  all  the  houses  through 

A  hapless  shape,  Creusa's  shade,  anigh  mine  eyen  drew, 

And  greater  than  the  body  known  her  image  fashioned  was ; 

I  stood  amazed,  my  hair  rose  up,  nor  from  my  jaws  would  pass 

My  frozen  voice,  then  thus  she  spake  my  care  to  take  away : 

'  Sweet  husband,  wherefore  needest  thou  with  such  mad  sorrow  play  ? 

Without  the  dealing  of  the  Gods  doth  none  of  this  betide  ; 

And  they,  they  will  not  have  thee  bear  Creusa  by  thy  side, 

Nor  will  Olympus'  highest  king  such  fellowship  allow. 

Long  exile  is  in  store  for  thee,  huge  plain  of  sea  to  plough,  780 


BOOK  II.  57 

Then  to  Hesperia  shalt  thou  come,  where  Lydian  Tiber's  wave 
The  wealthiest  meads  of  mighty  men  with  gentle  stream  doth  lave : 
There  happy  days  and  lordship  great,  and  kingly  wife,  are  born 
For  thee.     Ah  I  do  away  thy  tears  for  loved  Creusa  lorn. 
I  shall  not  see  the  Myrmidons'  nor  Dolopes*  proud  place, 
Nor  wend  my  ways  to  wait  upon  the  Greekish  women's  grace  j 
I,  daughter  of  the  Dardan  race,  I,  wife  of  Venus'  son ; 
Me  the  great  Mother  of  the  Gods  on  Trojan  shore  hath  won. 
Farewell,  and  love  the  son  we  loved  together  once,  we  twain.' 

She  left  me  when  these  words  were  given,  me  weeping  sore,  and  fain   790 
To  tell  her  much,  and  forth  away  amid  thin  air  she  passed  : 
And  there  three  times  about  her  neck  I  strove  mine  arms  to  cast, 
And  thrice  away  from  out  my  hands  the  gathered  image  streams, 
E'en  as  the  breathing  of  the  wind  or  winged  thing  of  dreams. 

And  so  at  last,  the  night  all  spent,  I  meet  my  folk  anew ; 

And  there  I  found  great  multitude  that  fresh  unto  us  drew, 

And  wondered  thereat :  wives  were  there,  and  men,  and  plenteous  youth ; 

All  gathered  for  the  faring  forth,  a  hapless  crowd  forsooth  : 

From  everywhere  they  draw  to  us,  with  goods  and  courage  set, 

To  follow  o'er  the  sea  where'er  my  will  may  lead  them  yet  800 

And  now  o'er  Ida's  topmost  ridge  at  last  the  day-star  rose 
With  dawn  in  hand :  all  gates  and  doors  by  host  of  Danaan  foes 
Were  close  beset,  and  no  more  hope  of  helping  may  I  bide. 
I  turned  and  took  my  father  up  and  sought  the  mountain-side. 


BOOK     III. 


ARGUMENT. 

AENEAS   TELLS   OF   HIS   WANDERINGS  AND   MISHAPS   BY  LAND 
AND   BY  SEA. 

"^"OW  after  it  had  pleased  the  Gods  on  high  to  overthrow 
The  Asian  weal  and  sackless  folk  of  Priam,  and  alow 
Proud  Ilium  lay,  and  Neptune's  Troy  was  smouldering  on  the  ground, 
For  diverse  outlands  of  the  earth  and  waste  lands  are  we  bound, 
Driven  by  omens  of  the  Gods.     Our  fleet  we  built  beneath 
Antandros,  and  the  broken  steeps  of  Phrygian  Ida's  heath, 
Unwitting  whither  Fate  may  drive,  or  where  the  Gods  shall  stay. 
And  there  we  draw  together  men. 

Now  scarce  upon  the  way 

Was  summer  when  my  father  bade  spread  sails  to  Fate  at  last. 
Weeping  I  leave  my  father-land,  and  out  of  haven  passed  I 

Away  from  fields  where  Troy-town  was,  an  outcast  o'er  the  deep, 
With  folk  and  son  and  Household  Gods  and  Greater  Gods  to  keep. 

Far  off  a  peopled  land  of  Mars  lies  midst  its  mighty  plain, 
Tilled  of  the  Thracians ;  there  whilom  did  fierce  Lycurgus  reign. 
'Twas  ancient  guesting-place  of  Troy :  our  Gods  went  hand  in  hand 
While  bloomed  our  weal :  there  are  we  borne,  and  on  the  hollow  strand 
I  set  my  first-born  city  down,  'neath  evil  fates  begun, 
And  call  the  folk  ^Eneadae  from  name  myself  had  won. 

Unto  Dione's  daughter  there,  my  mother,  and  the  rest, 


BOOK  III.  59 

I  sacrificed  upon  a  day  to  gain  beginning  blest,  20 

And  to  the  King  of  Heavenly  folk  was  slaying  on  the  shore 

A  glorious  bull :  at  hand  by  chance  a  mound  at  topmost  bore 

A  cornel-bush  and  myrtle  stiff  with  shafts  close  set  around  : 

Thereto  I  wend  and  strive  to  pluck  a  green  shoot  from  the  ground, 

That  I  with  leafy  boughs  thereof  may  clothe  the  altars  well; 

When  lo,  a  portent  terrible  and  marvellous  to  tell ! 

For  the  first  stem  that  from  the  soil  uprooted  I  tear  out 

Oozes  black  drops  of  very  blood,  that  all  the  earth  about 

Is  stained  with  gore :  but  as  for  me,  with  sudden  horror  chill 

My  limbs  fall  quaking,  and  my  blood  with  freezing  fear  stands  still.      30 

Yet  I  go  on  and  strive  from  earth  a  new  tough  shoot  to  win, 

That  I  may  search  out  suddenly  what  causes  lurk  within ; 

And  once  again  from  out  the  bark  blood  followeth  as  before. 

1  turn  the  matter  in  my  mind :  the  Field-Nymphs  I  adore, 

And  him,  Gradivus,  father  dread,  who  rules  the  Thracian  plain, 

And  pray  them  turn  the  thing  to  good  and  make  its  threatenings  vain. 

But  when  upon  a  third  of  them  once  more  I  set  my  hand, 

And  striving  hard  thrust  both  my  knees  upon  the  opposing  sand  — 

—  Shall  I  speak  now  or  hold  my  peace  ?  —  a  piteous  groan  is  heard 

From  out  the  mound,  and  to  mine  ears  is  borne  a  dreadful  word :  40 

'  Why  mangiest  thou  a  wretched  man  ?  O  spare  me  in  my  tomb  ! 

Spare  to  beguilt  thy  righteous  hand,  ^Eneas  !     Troy's  own  womb 

Bore  me,  thy  kinsman ;  from  this  stem  floweth  no  alien  gore : 

Woe's  me !  flee  forth  the  cruel  land,  flee  forth  the  greedy  shore ; 

For  I  am  Polydore :  pierced  through,  by  harvest  of  the  spear 

O'ergrown,  that  such  a  crop  of  shafts  above  my  head  doth  bear.' 

I  stood  amazed :  the  wildering  fear  the  heart  in  me  down-weighed. 
My  hair  rose  up,  my  frozen  breath  within  my  jaws  was  stayed. 
Unhappy  Priam  privily  had  sent  this  Polydore, 
For  fostering  to  the  Thracian  king  with  plenteous  golden  store.  50 


60  THE  ^ENEIDS  OF  VIRGIL. 

In  those  first  days  when  he  began  to  doubt  the  Dardan  might, 
Having  the  leaguered  walls  of  Troy  for  ever  in  his  sight. 
This  king,  as  failed  the  weal  of  Troy  and  fortune  fell  away, 
Turned  him  about  to  conquering  arms  and  Agamemnon's  day. 
He  brake  all  right,  slew  Polydore,  and  all  the  gold  he  got 
Perforce  :  O  thou  gold-hunger  cursed,  and  whither  driv'st  thou  not 
The  hearts  of  men  ? 

But  when  at  length  the  fear  from  me  did  fall, 
Unto  the  chosen  of  the  folk,  my  father  first  of  all, 
I  show  those  portents  of  the  Gods  and  ask  them  of  their  will, 
All  deem  it  good  that  we  depart  that  wicked  land  of  ill,  6c 

And  leave  that  blighted  guesting-place  and  give  our  ships  the  breeze. 
Therefore  to  Polydore  we  do  the  funeral  services, 
The  earth  is  heaped  up  high  in  mound ;  the  Death-Gods'  altars  stand 
Woeful  with  bough  of  cypress  black  and  coal-blue  holy  band  ; 
The  wives  of  Ilium  range  about  with  due  dishevelled  hair  \ 
Cups  of  the  warm  and  foaming  milk  unto  the  dead  we  bear, 
And  bowls  of  holy  blood  we  bring,  and  lay  the  soul  in  grave, 
And  cry  a  great  farewell  to  him,  the  last  that  he  shall  have. 
But  now,  when  we  may  trust  the  sea  and  winds  the  ocean  keep 
Unangered,  and  the  South  bids  on  light  whispering  to  the  deep,  70 

Our  fellows  crowd  the  sea-beach  o'er  and  run  the  ships  adown, 
And  from  the  haven  are  we  borne,  and  fadeth  field  and  town. 

Amid  the  sea  a  land  there  lies,  sweet  over  every  thing, 

Loved  of  the  Nereids'  mother,  loved  by  that  ^Egean  king 

Great  Neptune :  this,  a-wandering  once  all  coasts  and  shores  around, 

The  Bow-Lord  good  to  Gyaros  and  high  Myconos  bound, 

And  bade  it  fixed  to  cherish  folk  nor  fear  the  wind  again  : 

There  come  we  ;  and  that  gentlest  isle  receives  us  weary  men ; 

In  haven  safe  we  land,  and  thence  Apollo's  town  adore ; 

King  Anius,  who,  a  king  of  men,  Apollo's  priesthood  bore,  80 

His  temples  with  the  fillets  done  and  crowned  with  holy  bays, 


BOOK  III.  6 1 

Meets  us,  and  straight  Anchises  knows,  his  friend  of  early  days. 
So  therewith  hand  to  hand  we  join  and  houseward  get  us  gone. 

There  the  God's  fane  I  pray  unto,  the  place  of  ancient  stone  : 
'  Thymbraean,  give  us  house  and  home,  walls  to  the  weary  give, 
In  folk  and  city  to  endure :  let  Pergamos  twice  live, 
In  Troy  twice  built,  left  of  the  Greeks,  left  of  Achilles'  wrath ! 
Ah,  whom  to  follow  ?  where  to  go  ?  wherein  our  home  set  forth  ? 
O  Father,  give  us  augury  and  sink  into  our  heart  ! ' 

Scarce  had  I  said  the  word,  when  lo  all  doors  with  sudden  start  90 

Fell  trembling,  and  the  bay  of  God,  and  all  the  mountain  side, 

Was  stirred,  and  in  the  opened  shrine  the  holy  tripod  cried : 

There  as  a  voice  fell  on  our  ears  we  bowed  ourselves  to  earth : 

'  O  hardy  folk  of  Dardanus,  the  land  that  gave  you  birth 

From  root  and  stem  of  fathers  old,  its  very  bosom  kind, 

Shall  take  you  back :  go  fare  ye  forth,  your  ancient  mother  find : 

There  shall  ^Eneas'  house  be  lords  o'er  every  earth  and  sea, 

The  children  of  his  children's  sons,  and  those  that  thence  shall  be.' 

So  Phoebus  spake,  and  mighty  joy  arose  with  tumult  mixed, 

As  all  fell  wondering  where  might  be  that  seat  of  city  fixed,  100 

Where  Phoebus  called  us  wondering  folk,  bidding  us  turn  again. 

Thereat  my  father,  musing  o'er  the  tales  of  ancient  men, 

Saith :  '  Hearken,  lords,  and  this  your  hope  a  little  learn  of  me  ! 

There  is  an  isle  of  mightiest  Jove  called  Crete  amid  the  sea ; 

An  hundred  cities  great  it  hath,  that  most  abundant  place  ; 

And  there  the  hill  of  Ida  is,  and  cradle  of  our  race. 

Thence  Teucer  our  first  father  came,  if  right  the  tale  they  tell, 

When  borne  to  those  Rhcetean  shores  he  chose  a  place  to  dwell 

A  very  king  :  no  Ilium  was,  no  Pergamos  rose  high  ; 

He  and  his  folk  abode  as  then  in  dales  that  lowly  lie :  nc 

Thence  came  Earth-mother  Cybele  and  Corybantian  brass, 


63  THE  ^ENEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

And  Ida's  thicket ;  thence  the  hush  all  hallowed  came  to  pass, 
And  thence  the  lions  yoked  and  tame,  the  Lady's  chariot  drag. 
On  then  !  and  led  by  God's  command  for  nothing  let  us  lag  ! 
Please  we  the  winds,  and  let  our  course  for  Gnosian  land  be  laid  ; 
Nor  long  the  way  shall  be  for  us  :  with  Jupiter  to  aid, 
The  third-born  sun  shall  stay  our  ships  upon  the  Cretan  shore.' 

So  saying,  all  the  offerings  due  he  to  the  altar  bore, 

A  bull  to  Neptune,  and  a  bull  to  thee,  Apollo  bright, 

A  black  ewe  to  the  Storm  of  sea,  to  Zephyr  kind  a  white.  120 

Fame  went  that  Duke  Idomeneus,  thrust  from  his  fathers'  land, 

Had  gone  his  ways,  and  desert  now  was  all  the  Cretan  strand, 

That  left  all  void  of  foes  to  us  those  habitations  lie. 

Ortygia's  haven  then  we  leave,  and  o'er  the  sea  we  fly 

By  Naxos  of  the  Bacchus  ridge,  Donusa's  green-hued  steep, 

And  Olearon,  and  Paros  white,  and  scattered  o'er  the  deep 

All  Cyclades  ;  we  skim  the  straits  besprent  with  many  a  folk ; 

And  diverse  clamour  mid  the  ships  seafarers  striving  woke ; 

Each  eggs  his  fellow  :    On  for  Crete,  and  sires  of  time  agone ! 

And  rising  up  upon  our  wake  a  fair  wind  followed  on.  130 

And  so  at  last  we  glide  along  the  old  Curetes'  strand, 
And  straightway  eager  do  I  take  the  city  wall  in  hand, 
And  call  it  Pergamea,  and  urge  my  folk  that  name  who  love, 
For  love  of  hearth  and  home  to  raise  a  burg  their  walls  above. 

And  now  the  more  part  of  the  ships  are  hauled  up  high  and  dry, 

To  wedding  and  to  work  afield  the  folk  fall  presently, 

And  I  give  laws  and  portion  steads ;  when  suddenly  there  fell 

From  poisoned  heaven  a  wasting  plague,  a  wretched  thing  to  tell, 

On  limbs  of  men,  on  trees  and  fields ;  and  deadly  was  the  year, 

And  men  must  leave  dear  life  and  die,  or  weary  sick  must  bear  140 


BOOK  III.  63 

Their  bodies  on :  then  Sirius  fell  to  bum  the  acres  dry ; 
The  grass  was  parched,  the  harvest  sick  all  victual  did  deny. 
Then  bids  my  father  back  once  more  o'er  the  twice-measured  main, 
To  Phoebus  and  Ortygia's  strand,  some  grace  of  prayer  to  gain : 
What  end  to  our  outworn  estate  he  giveth  ?  whence  will  he 
That  we  should  seek  us  aid  of  toil ;  where  turn  to  o'er  the  sea  ? 

Night  falleth,  and  all  lives  of  earth  doth  sleep  on  bosom  bear, 

When  lo,  the  holy  images,  the  Phrygian  House-Gods  there, 

E'en  them  I  bore  away  from  Troy  and  heart  of  burning  town, 

Were  present  to  the  eyes  of  me  in  slumber  laid  adown,  150 

Clear  shining  in  the  plenteous  light  that  over  all  was  shed 

By  the  great  moon  anigh  her  full  through  windows  fashioned. 

Then  thus  they  fall  to  speech  with  me,  end  of  my  care  to  make  : 

'  The  thing  that  in  Ortygia  erst  the  seer  Apollo  spake 

Here  telleth  he,  and  to  thy  doors  come  we  of  his  good  will : 

Thee  and  thine  arms  from  Troy  aflame  fast  have  we  followed  still. 

We  'neath  thy  care  and  in  thy  keel  have  climbed  the  swelling  sea, 

And  we  shall  bear  unto  the  stars  thy  sons  that  are  to  be, 

And  give  thy  city  majesty :  make  ready  mighty  wall 

For  mighty  men,  nor  toil  of  way  leave  thou,  though  long  it  fall.  160 

Shift  hence  abode ;  the  Delian-born  Apollo  ne'er  made  sweet 

These  shores  for  thee,  nor  bade  thee  set  thy  city  down  in  Crete 

There  is  a  place,  the  Westland  called  of  Greeks  in  days  that  are, 

An  ancient  land,  a  fruitful  soil,  a  mighty  land  of  war ; 

CEnotrian  folk  first  tilled  the  land,  whose  sons,  as  rumours  run, 

Now  call  it  nought  but  Italy,  from  him  who  led  them  on. 

This  is  our  very  due  abode  :  thence  Dardanus  outbroke, 

Tasius  our  father  thence,  beginner  of  our  folk. 

Come  rise,  and  glad  these  tidings  tell  unto  thy  father  old, 

No  doubtful  tale :  now  Cory  thus,  Ausonian  field  and  fold  170 

Let  him  go  seek,  for  Jupiter  banneth  Dictaean  mead.' 


64  THE  ^ENEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

All  mazed  was  I  with  sight  and  voice  of  Gods  ;  because  indeed 

This  was  not  sleep,  but  face  to  face,  as  one  a  real  thing  sees. 

I  seemed  to  see  their  coifed  hair  and  very  visages, 

And  over  all  my  body  too  cold  sweat  of  trembling  flowed. 

I  tore  my  body  from  the  bed,  and,  crying  out  aloud, 

I  stretched  my  upturned  hands  to  heaven  and  unstained  gifts  I  spilled 

Upon  the  hearth,  and  joyfully  that  worship  I  fulfilled. 

Anchises  next  I  do  to  wit  and  all  the  thing  unlock ; 

And  he,  he  saw  the  twi-branched  stem,  twin  fathers  of  our  stock,          180 

And  how  by  fault  of  yesterday  through  steads  of  old  he  strayed. 

1 0  son,  well  learned  in  all  the  lore  of  Ilium's  fate,'  he  said, 
*  Cassandra  only  of  such  hap  would  sing  ;  I  mind  me  well 
Of  like  fate  meted  to  our  folk  full  oft  would  she  foretell ; 
And  oft  would  call  to  Italy  and  that  Hesperian  home. 
But  who  believed  that  Teucrian  folk  on  any  day  might  come 
Unto  Hesperia's  shores  ?  or  who  might  trow  Cassandra  then  ? 
Yield  we  to  Phoebus,  follow  we  as  better  counselled  men 
The  better  part.' 

We,  full  of  joy,  obey  him  with  one  mind  ; 

From  this  seat  too  we  fare  away  and  leave  a  few  behind ;  190 

With  sail  abroad  in  hollow  tree  we  skim  the  ocean  o'er. 

But  when  our  keels  the  deep  sea  made,  nor  had  we  any  more 

The  land  in  sight,  but  sea  around,  and  sky  around  was  spread, 

A  coal-blue  cloud  drew  up  to  us  that,  hanging  overhead, 

Bore  night  and  storm,  and  mirky  gloom  o'er  all  the  waters  cast : 

Therewith  the  winds  heap  up  the  waves,  the  seas  are  rising  fast 

And  huge ;  and  through  the  mighty  whirl  scattered  we  toss  about ; 

The  storm-clouds  wrap  around  the  day,  and  wet  mirk  blotteth  out 

The  heavens,  and  mid  the  riven  clouds  the  ceaseless  lightnings  live. 

So  are  we  blown  from  out  our  course,  through  might  of  seas  we  drive,  200 

Nor  e'en  might  Palinurus'  self  the  day  from  night-tide  sift, 


BOOK  III.  65 

Nor  have  a  deeming  of  the  road  atwixt  the  watery  drift. 

Still  on  for  three  uncertain  suns,  that  blind  mists  overlay, 

And  e'en  so  many  starless  nights,  across  the  sea  we  stray ; 

But  on  the  fourth  day  at  the  last  afar  upon  us  broke 

The  mountains  of  another  land,  mid  curling  wreaths  of  smoke. 

Then  fall  the  sails,  we  rise  on  oars,  no  sloth  hath  any  place, 

The  eager  seamen  toss  the  spray  and  sweep  the  blue  sea's  face ; 

And  me  first  saved  from  whirl  of  waves  the  Strophades  on  strand 

Now  welcome ;  named  by  Greekish  name  Isles  of  the  Sea,  they  stand  213 

Amid  the  great  Ionian  folk  :  Cekeno  holds  the  shores, 

And  others  of  the  Harpies  grim,  since  shut  were  Phineus'  doors 

Against  them,  and  they  had  to  leave  the  tables  they  had  won. 

No  monster  woefuller  than  they,  and  crueller  is  none 

Of  all  God's  plagues  and  curses  dread  from  Stygian  waters  sent. 

A  winged  thing  with  maiden  face,  whose  bellies'  excrement 

Is  utter  foul ;  and  hooked  hands,  and  face  for  ever  pale 

With  hunger  that  no  feeding  stints. 

Borne  thither,  into  haven  come,  we  see  how  everywhere 

The  merry  wholesome  herds  of  neat  feed  down  the  meadows  fair,        220 

And  all  untended  goatish  flocks  amid  the  herbage  bite. 

With  point  and  edge  we  fall  on  them,  and  all  the  Gods  invite, 

Yea  very  Jove,  to  share  the  spoil,  and  on  the  curved  strand 

We  strew  the  beds,  and  feast  upon  rich  dainties  of  the  land. 

When  lo,  with  sudden  dreadful  rush  from  out  the  mountains  hap 

The  Harpy  folk,  and  all  about  their  clanging  wings  they  flap, 

And  foul  all  things  with  filthy  touch  as  at  the  food  they  wrench, 

And  riseth  up  their  grisly  voice  amid  the  evilest  stench. 

Once  more  then  'neath  a  hollow  rock  at  a  long  valley's  head,  229 

Where  close  around  the  boughs  of  trees  their  quavering  shadows  shed, 
We  dight  the  boards,  and  once  again  flame  on  the  altars  raise. 
Again  from  diverse  parts  of  heaven,  from  dusky  lurking-place, 

5 


66  THE  J2NEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

The  shrieking  rout  with  hooked  feet  about  the  prey  doth  fly, 

Fouling  the  feast  with  mouth :  therewith  I  bid  my  company 

To  arms,  that  with  an  evil  folk  the  war  may  come  to  pass. 

They  do  no  less  than  my  commands,  and  lay  along  the  grass 

Their  hidden  swords,  and  therewithal  their  bucklers  cover  o'er. 

Wherefore,  when  swooping  down  again,  they  fill  the  curved  shore 

With  noise,  Misenus  blows  the  call  from  off  a  watch-stead  high 

With  hollow  brass  ;  our  folk  fall  on  and  wondrous  battle  try,  240 

Striving  that  sea-foul's  filthy  folk  with  point  and  edge  to  spill. 

But  nought  will  bite  upon  their  backs,  and  from  their  feathers  still 

Glanceth  the  sword,  and  swift  they  flee  up  'neath  the  stars  of  air, 

Half-eaten  meat  and  token  foul  leaving  behind  them  there. 

But  on  a  rock  exceeding  high  yet  did  Celaeno  rest, 

Unhappy  seer !  there  breaks  withal  a  voice  from  out  her  breast : 

'  What,  war  to  pay  for  slaughtered  neat,  war  for  our  heifers  slain  ? 

O  children  of  Laomedon,  the  war  then  will  ye  gain  ? 

The  sackless  Harpies  will  ye  drive  from  their  own  land  away  ? 

Then  let  this  sink  into  your  souls,  heed  well  the  words  I  say ;  250 

The  Father  unto  Phoebus  told  a  tale  that  Phoebus  told 

To  me,  and  I  the  first-born  fiend  that  same  to  you  unfold  : 

Ye  sail  for  Italy,  and  ye,  the  winds  appeased  by  prayer, 

Shall  come  to  Italy,  and  gain  the  grace  of  haven  there : 

Yet  shall  ye  gird  no  wall  about  the  city  granted  you, 

Till  famine,  and  this  murder's  wrong  that  ye  were  fain  to  do, 

Drive  you  your  tables  gnawed  with  teeth  to  eat  up  utterly.' 

She  spake,  and  through  the  woody  deeps  borne  off  on  wings  did  fly. 
But  sudden  fear  fell  on  our  folk,  and  chilled  their  frozen  blood ;  259 

Their  hearts  fell  down ;  with  weapon-stroke  no  more  they  deem  it  good 
To  seek  for  peace :  but  rather  now  sore  prayers  and  vows  they  will, 
Whether  these  things  be  goddesses  or  filthy  fowls  of  ill. 
Father  Anchises  on  the  strand  stretched  both  his  hands  abroad, 


BOOK  III.  67 

And,  bidding  all  their  worship  due,  the  Mighty  Ones  adored : 

'  Gods,  bring  their  threats  to  nought !  O  Gods,  turn  ye  the  curse,  we  pray  1 

Be  kind,  and  keep  the  pious  folk ! ' 

Then  bade  he  pluck  away 

The  hawser  from  the  shore  and  slack  the  warping  cable's  strain : 
The  south  wind  fills  the  sails,  we  fare  o'er  foaming  waves  again, 
E'en  as  the  helmsman  and  the  winds  have  will  that  we  should  fare. 

And  now  amidmost  of  the  flood  Zacynthus'  woods  appear,  270 

Dulichium,  Samos,  Neritos,  with  sides  of  stony  steep : 

Wide  course  from  cliffs  of  Ithaca,  Laertes'  land,  we  keep, 

Cursing  the  soil  that  bore  and  nursed  Ulysses'  cruelty. 

Now  open  up  Leucata's  peaks,  that  fare  so  cloudy  high 

Over  Apollo,  mighty  dread  to  all  seafarers  grown ; 

But  weary  thither  do  we  steer  and  make  the  little  town, 

We  cast  the  anchors  from  the  bows  and  swing  the  sterns  a-strand. 

And  therewithal  since  we  at  last  have  gained  the  longed-for  land, 

We  purge  us  before  Jupiter  and  by  the  altars  pray, 

Then  on  the  shores  of  Actium's  head  the  Ilian  plays  we  play.  280 

Anointed  with  the  sleeking  oil  there  strive  our  fellows  stripped 

In  wrestling  game  of  fatherland :  it  joys  us  to  have  slipped 

By  such  a  host  of  Argive  towns  amidmost  of  the  foe. 

Meanwhile,  the  sun  still  pressing  on,  the  year  about  doth  go, 

And  frosty  winter  with  his  north  the  sea's  face  rough  doth  wear ; 

A  buckler  of  the  hollow  brass  of  mighty  Abas'  gear 

I  set  amid  the  temple-doors  with  singing  scroll  thereon, 

^ENEAS  HANGETH  ARMOUR  HERE  FROM  CONQUERING  DANAANS  WON. 

And  then  I  bid  to  leave  the  shore  and  man  the  thwarts  again. 

Hard  strive  the  folk  in  smiting  sea,  and  oar-blades  brush  the  main.      290 

The  airy  high  Phaeacian  towers  sink  down  behind  our  wake, 

And  coasting  the  Epirote  shores  Chaonia's  bay  we  make, 

And  so  Buthrotus'  city-walls  high  set  we  enter  in 


68  THE  ^ENEIDS  OF  VIRGIL. 

There  tidings  hard  for  us  to  trow  unto  our  ears  do  win, 

How  Helenus,  e'en  Priam's  son,  hath  gotten  wife  and  crown 

Of  Pyrrhus  come  of  ^Eacus,  and  ruleth  Greekish  town, 

And  that  Andromache  hath  wed  one  of  her  folk  once  more. 

All  mazed  am  I ;  for  wondrous  love  my  heart  was  kindling  sore 

To  give  some  word  unto  the  man,  of  such  great  things  to  learn : 

So  from  the  haven  forth  I  fare,  from  ships  and  shore  I  turn.  300 

But  as  it  happed  Andromache  was  keeping  yearly  day, 
Pouring  sad  gifts  unto  the  dead,  amidst  a  grove  that  lay 
Outside  the  town,  by  wave  that  feigned  the  Simois  that  had  been, 
Blessing  the  dead  by  Hector's  mound  empty  and  grassy  green, 
Which  she  with  altars  twain  thereby  had  hallowed  for  her  tears. 
But  when  she  saw  me  drawing  nigh  with  armour  that  Troy  bears 
About  me,  senseless,  throughly  feared  with  marvels  grown  so  great, 
She  stiffens  midst  her  gaze ;  her  bones  are  reft  of  life-blood's  heat, 
She  totters,  scarce,  a  long  while  o'er,  this  word  comes  forth  from  her : 

'  Is  the  show  true,  O  Goddess-born  ?  com'st  thou  a  messenger  310 

Alive  indeed  ?  or  if  from  thee  the  holy  light  is  fled, 
Where  then  is  Hector?' 

Flowed  the  tears  e'en  as  the  word  she  said, 

And  with  her  wailing  rang  the  place :  sore  moved  I  scarce  may  speak 
This  word  to  her,  grown  wild  with  grief,  in  broken  voice  and  weak : 
'  I  live  indeed,  I  drag  my  life  through  outer  ways  of  ill ; 
Doubt  not,  thou  seest  the  very  sooth. 

Alas !  what  hap  hath  caught  thee  up  from  such  a  man  downcast  ? 
Hath  any  fortune  worthy  thee  come  back  again  at  last? 
Doth  Hector's  own  Andromache  yet  serve  in  Pyrrhus'  bed  ? ' 

She  cast  her  countenance  adown,  and  in  a  low  voice  said :  320 

'  O  thou  alone  of  Trojan  maids  that  won  a  little  joy, 
Bidden  to  die  on  foeman's  tomb  before  the  walls  of  Troy  I 


BOOK  III.  69 

Who  died,  and  never  had  to  bear  the  sifting  lot's  award, 

Whose  slavish  body  never  touched  the  bed  of  victor  lord ! 

We  from  our  burning  fatherland  carried  o'er  many  a  sea, 

Of  Achillaean  offspring's  pride  the  yoke-fellow  must  be, 

Must  bear  the  childbed  of  a  slave :  thereafter  he,  being  led 

To  Leda's  child  Hermione  and  that  Laconian  bed, 

To  Helenus  his  very  thrall  me  very  thrall  gave  o'er : 

But  there  Orestes,  set  on  fire  by  all  the  love  he  bore  3.30 

His  ravished  wife,  and  mad  with  hate,  comes  on  him  unaware 

Before  his  fathers'  altar-stead  and  slays  him  then  and  there. 

By  death  of  Neoptolemus  his  kingdom's  leavings  came 

To  Helenus,  who  called  the  fields  Chaonian  fields  by  name, 

And  all  the  land  Chaonia,  from  Chaon  of  Troy-town ; 

And  Pergamos  and  Ilian  burg  on  ridgy  steep  set  down. 

What  winds,  what  fates  gave  thee  the  road  to  cross  the  ocean,  o'er  ? 

Or  what  of  Gods  hath  borne  thee  on  unwitting  to  our  shore  ? 

What  of  the  boy  Ascanius  ?  lives  he  and  breathes  he  yet  ? 

Whom  unto  thee  when  Troy  yet  was 340 

The  boy  then,  of  his  mother  lost,  hath  he  a  thought  of  her? 

Do  him  JEneas,  Hector  gone,  father  and  uncle,  stir, 

To  valour  of  the  ancient  days,  and  great  hearts'  glorious  gain  ? ' 

Such  tale  she  poured  forth,  weeping  sore,  and  long  she  wept  in  vain. 

Great  floods  of  tears :  when  lo,  from  out  the  city  draweth  nigh 

Lord  Helenus  the  Priam-born  midst  mighty  company, 

And  knows  his  kin,  and  joyfully  leads  onward  to  his  door, 

Though  many  a  tear  'twixt  broken  words  the  while  doth  he  outpour. 

So  on  ;  a  little  Troy  I  see  feigned  from  great  Troy  of  fame, 

A  Pergamos,  a  sandy  brook  that  hath  the  Xanthus  name,  350 

On  threshold  of  a  Scaean  gate  I  stoop  to  lay  a  kiss. 

Soon,  too,  all  Teucrian  folk  are  wrapped  in  friendly  city's  bliss, 

And  them  the  King  fair  welcomes  in  amid  his  cloisters  broad, 

And  they  amidmost  of  the  hall  the  bowls  of  Bacchus  poured, 


70  THE  ^ENEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

The  meat  was  set  upon  the  gold,  and  cups  they  held  in  hand. 

So  passed  a  day  and  other  day,  until  the  gales  command- 

The  sails  aloft,  and  canvas  swells  with  wind  from  out  the  South : 

Therewith  I  speak  unto  the  seer,  such  matters  in  my  mouth : 

'  O  Troy-born,  O  Gods'  messenger,  who  knowest  Phoebus'  will, 

The  tripods  and  the  Clarian's  bay,  and  what  the  stars  fulfil,  360 

And  tongues  of  fowl,  and  omens  brought  by  swift  foreflying  wing, 

Come,  tell  the  tale  !  for  of  my  way  a  happy  heartening  thing 

All  shrines  have  said,  and  all  the  Gods  have  bid  me  follow  on 

To  Italy,  till  outland  shores,  far  off,  remote  were  won : 

Alone  Celaeno,  Harpy-fowl,  new  dread  of  fate  set  forth, 

Unmeet  to  tell,  and  bade  us  fear  the  grimmest  day  of  wrath, 

And  ugly  hunger.     How  may  I  by  early  perils  fare  ? 

Or  doing  what  may  I  have  might  such  toil  to  overbear?' 

So  Helenus,  when  he  hath  had  the  heifers  duly  slain, 

Prays  peace  of  Gods,  from  hallowed  head  he  doffs  the  bands  again,     370 

And  then  with  hand  he  leadeth  me,  O  Phoebus,  to  thy  door, 

My  fluttering  soul  with  all  thy  might  of  godhead  shadowed  o'er. 

There  forth  at  last  from  God-loved  mouth  the  seer  this  word  did  send  : 

•'  O  Goddess-born,  full  certainly  across  the  sea  ye  wend 

By  mightiest  bidding,  such  the  lot  the  King  of  Gods  hath  found 

All  fateful ;  so  he  rolls  the  world,  so  turns  its  order  round. 

Few  things  from  many  will  I  tell  that  thou  the  outland  sea 

May'st  sail  the  safer,  and  at  last  make  land  in  Italy ; 

The  other  things  the  Parcae  still  ban  Helenus  to  wot, 

Saturnian  Juno's  will  it  is  that  more  he  utter  not.  380 

First,  from  that  Italy,  which  thou  unwitting  deem'st  anigh, 

Thinking  to  make  in  little  space  the  haven  close  hereby, 

Long  is  the  wayless  way  that  shears,  and  long  the  length  of  land ; 

And  first  in  the  Trinacrian  wave  must  bend  the  rower's  wand. 


BOOK  III.  71 

On  plain  of  that  Ausonian  salt  your  ships  must  stray  awhile, 

And  thou  must  see  the  nether  meres,  ^Eaean  Circe's  isle, 

Ere  thou  on  earth  assured  and  safe  thy  city  may'st  set  down. 

I  show  thee  tokens  ;  in  thy  soul  store  thou  the  tokens  shown. 

When  thou  with  careful  heart  shalt  stray  the  secret  stream  anigh, 

And  'neath  the  holm-oaks  of  the  shore  shalt  see  a  great  sow  lie,  390 

That  e'en  now  farrowed  thirty  head  of  young,  long  on  the  ground 

She  lieth  white,  with  piglings  white  their  mother's  dugs  around,  — 

That  earth  shall  be  thy  city's  place,  there  rest  from  toil  is  stored. 

Nor  shudder  at  the  coming  curse,  the  gnawing  of  the  board, 

The  Fates  shall  find  a  way  thereto  ;  Apollo  called  shall  come. 

But  flee  these  lands  of  Italy,  this  shore  so  near  our  home, 

That  washing  of  the  strand  thereof  our  very  sea-tide  seeks ; 

For  in  all  cities  thereabout  abide  the  evil  Greeks. 

There  now  have  come  the  Locrian  folk  Narycian  walls  to  build ; 

And  Lyctian  Idomeneus  Sallentine  meads  hath  filled  400 

With  war-folk  ;  Philoctetes  there  holdeth  Petelia  small, 

Now  by  that  Melibcean  duke  fenced  round  with  mighty  wall. 

Moreover,  when  your  ships  have  crossed  the  sea,  and  there  do  stay, 

And  on  the  altars  raised  thereto  your  vows  ashore  ye  pay, 

Be  veiled  of  head,  and  wrap  thyself  in  cloth  of  purple  dye, 

Lest  'twixt  you  and  the  holy  fires  ye  light  to  God  on  high 

Some  face  of  foeman  should  thrust  in  the  holy  signs  to  spill. 

Now  let  thy  folk,  yea  and  thyself,  this  worship  thus  fulfil, 

And  let  thy  righteous  sons  of  sons  such  fashion  ever  mind. 

But  when,  gone  forth,  to  Sicily  thou  comest  on  the  wind,  410 

And  when  Pelorus'  narrow  sea  is  widening  all  away, 

Your  course  for  leftward  lying  land  and  leftward  waters  lay, 

How  long  soe'er  ye  reach  about :  flee  righthand  shore  and  wave. 

In  time  agone  some  mighty  thing  this  place  to  wrack  down  drave, 

So  much  for  changing  of  the  world  doth  lapse  of  time  avail. 

It  split  atwain,  when  heretofore  the  two  lands,  saith  the  tale, 

Had  been  but  one,  the  sea  rushed  in  and  clave  with  mighty  flood 


72  THE  ^ENEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

Hesperia's  side  from  Italy,  and  field  and  city  stood 

Drawn  back  on  either  shore,  along  a  sundering  sea-race  strait 

There  Scylla  on  the  right  hand  lurks,  the  left  insatiate  420 

Charybdis  holds,  who  in  her  maw  all  whirling  deep  adown 

Sucketh  the  great  flood  tumbling  in  thrice  daily,  which  out-thrown 

Thrice  daily  doth  she  spout  on  high,  smiting  the  stars  with  brine. 

But  Scylla  doth  the  hidden  hole  of  mirky  cave  confine ; 

With  face  thrust  forth  she  draweth  ships  on  to  that  stony  bed ; 

Manlike  above,  with  maiden  breast  and  lovely  fashioned 

Down  to  the  midst,  she  hath  below  huge  body  of  a  whale, 

And  unto  maw  of  wolfish  heads  is  knit  a  dolphin's  tail. 

'Tis  better  far  to  win  about  Pachynus,  outer  ness 

Of  Sicily,  and  reach  long  round,  despite  the  weariness,  430 

Than  have  that  ugly  sight  of  her  within  her  awful  den, 

And  hear  her  coal-blue  baying  dogs  and  rocks  that  ring  again. 

Now  furthermore  if  Helenus  in  any  thing  have  skill, 

Or  aught  of  trust,  or  if  his  soul  with  sooth  Apollo  fill, 

Of  one  thing,  Goddess-born,  will  I  forewarn  thee  over  all, 

And  spoken  o'er  and  o'er  again  my  word  on  thee  shall  fall : 

The  mighty  Juno's  godhead  first  let  many  a  prayer  seek  home ; 

To  Juno  sing  your  vows  in  joy,  with  suppliant  gifts  o'ercome 

That  Lady  of  all  Might ;  and  so,  Trinacria  overpast, 

Shalt  thou  be  sped  to  Italy  victorious  at  the  last.  440 

When  there  thou  com'st  and  Cumae's  town  amidst  thy  way  hast  found, 

The  Holy  Meres,  Avernus'  woods  fruitful  of  many  a  sound, 

There  the  wild  seer-maid  shalt  thou  see,  who  in  a  rock-hewn  cave 

Singeth  of  fate,  and  letteth  leaves  her  names  and  tokens  have : 

But  whatso  song  upon  those  leaves  the  maiden  seer  hath  writ 

She  ordereth  duly,  and  in  den  of  live  stone  leaveth  it : 

There  lie  the  written  leaves  unmoved,  nor  shift  their  ordered  rows. 

But  when  the  hinge  works  round,  and  thence  a  light  air  on  them  blows, 

Then,  when  the  door  doth  disarray  among  the  frail  leaves  bear, 


BOOK    III.  73 

To  catch  them  fluttering  in  the  cave  she  never  hath  a  care,  450 

Nor  will  she  set  them  back  again  nor  make  the  song-words  meet  j 

So  folk  unanswered  go  their  ways  and  loathe  the  Sibyl's  seat. 

But  thou,  count  not  the  cost  of  time  that  there  thou  hast  to  spend ; 

Although  thy  fellows  blame  thee  sore,  and  length  of  way  to  wend 

Call  on  thy  sails,  and  thou  may'st  fill  their  folds  with  happy  gale, 

Draw  nigh  the  seer,  and  strive  with  prayers  to  have  her  holy  tale ; 

Beseech  her  sing,  and  that  her  words  from  willing  tongue  go  free : 

So  reverenced  shall  she  tell  thee  tale  of  folk  of  Italy 

And  wars  to  come ;  and  how  to  'scape,  and  how  to  bear  each  ill, 

And  with  a  happy  end  at  last  thy  wandering  shall  fulfil.  460 

Now  is  this  all  my  tongue  is  moved  to  tell  thee  lawfully : 

Go,  let  thy  deeds  Troy's  mightiness  exalt  above  the  sky ! ' 

So  when  the  seer  from  loving  mouth  such  words  as  this  had  said, 

Then  gifts  of  heavy  gold  and  gifts  of  carven  tooth  he  bade 

Be  borne  a-shipboard ;  and  our  keels  he  therewithal  doth  stow 

With  Dodonaean  kettle-ware  and  silver  great  enow, 

A  coat  of  hooked  woven  mail  and  triple  golden  chain, 

A  helm  with  noble  towering  crest  crowned  with  a  flowing  mane, 

The  arms  of  Pyrrhus  :  gifts  most  meet  my  father  hath  withal ; 

And  steeds  he  gives  and  guides  he  gives,  470 

Fills  up  the  tale  of  oars,  and  arms  our  fellows  to  their  need. 

Anchises  still  was  bidding  us  meanwhile  to  have  a  heed 

Of  setting  sail,  nor  with  the  wind  all  fair  to  make  delay ; 

To  whom  with  words  of  worship  now  doth  Phoebus'  servant  say : 

'Anchises,  thou  whom  Venus'  bed  hath  made  so  glorious, 

Care  of  the  Gods,  twice  caught  away  from  ruin  of  Pergamos, 

Lo,  there  the  Ausonian  land  for  thee,  set  sail  upon  the  chase : 

Yet  needs  must  thou  upon  the  sea  glide  by  its  neighbouring  face. 

Far  off  is  that  Ausonia  yet  that  Phoebus  open  lays. 

Fare  forth,  made  glad  with  pious  son  !  why  tread  I  longer  ways  480 


74  THE  ^ENEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

Of  speech,  and  stay  the  rising  South  with  words  that  I  would  tell  ? ' 

And  therewithal  Andromache,  sad  with  the  last  farewell, 

Brings  for  Ascanius  raiment  wrought  with  picturing  wool  of  gold, 

And  Phrygian  coat ;  nor  will  she  have  our  honour  wax  a-cold, 

But  loads  him  with  the  woven  gifts,  and  such  word  sayeth  she : 

'  Take  these,  fair  boy ;  keep  them  to  be  my  hands'  last  memory, 

The  tokens  of  enduring  love  thy  younger  days  did  win 

From  Hector's  wife  Andromache,  the  last  gifts  of  thy  kin. 

O  thou,  of  my  Astyanax  the  only  image  now ! 

Such  eyes  he  had,  such  hands  he  had,  such  countenance  as  thou,         490 

And  now  with  thee  were  growing  up  in  equal  tale  of  years.' 

Then  I,  departing,  spake  to  them  amid  my  rising  tears : 

'  Live  happy !     Ye  with  fortune's  game  have  nothing  more  to  play, 

While  we  from  side  to  side  thereof  are  hurried  swift  away. 

Your  rest  hath  blossomed  and  brought  forth ;  no  sea-field  shall  ye  till, 

Seeking  the  fields  of  Italy  that  fade  before  you  still. 

Ye  see  another  Xanthus  here,  ye  see  another  Troy, 

Made  by  your  hands  for  better  days  mehopes,  and  longer  joy  : 

And  soothly  less  it  lies  across  the  pathway  of  the  Greek, 

If  ever  I  that  Tiber  flood  and  Tiber  fields  I  seek  500 

Shall  enter,  and  behold  the  walls  our  folk  shall  win  of  fate. 

Twin  cities  some  day  shall  we  have,  and  folks  confederate, 

Epirus  and  Hesperia ;  from  Dardanus  each  came, 

One  fate  had  each  :  them  shall  we  make  one  city  and  the  same, 

One  Troy  in  heart :  lo,  let  our  sons  of  sons'  sons  see  to  it ! ' 

Past  nigh  Ceraunian  mountain-sides  thence  o'er  the  sea  we  flit, 

Whence  the  sea-way  to  Italy  the  shortest  may  be  made. 

But  in  the  meanwhile  sets  the  sun,  the  dusk  hills  lie  in  shade, 

And,  choosing  oar-wards,  down  we  lie  on  bosom  of  the  land 

So  wished  for  :  by  the  water-side  and  on  the  dry  sea-strand  510 


BOOK  III.  75 

We  tend  our  bodies  here  and  there  j  sleep  floodeth  every  limb. 

But  ere  the  hour-bedriven  night  in  midmost  orb  did  swim, 

Nought  slothful  Palinurus  rose,  and  wisdom  strives  to  win 

Of  all  the  winds  :  with  eager  ear  the  breeze  he  drinketh  in ; 

He  noteth  how  through  silent  heaven  the  stars  soft  gliding  fare, 

Arcturus,  the  wet  Hyades,  and  either  Northern  Bear, 

And  through  and  through  he  searcheth  out  Orion  girt  with  gold. 

So  when  he  sees  how  every  thing  a  peaceful  sky  foretold, 

He  bloweth  clear  from  off  the  poop,  and  we  our  campment  shift, 

And  try  the  road  and  spread  abroad  our  sail-wings  to  the  lift.  520 

And  now,  the  stars  all  put  to  flight,  Aurora's  blushes  grow, 

When  we  behold  dim  fells  afar  and  long  lands  lying  low, 

—  E'en  Italy.     Achates  first  cries  out  on  Italy ; 

To  Italy  our  joyous  folk  glad  salutation  cry. 

Anchises  then  a  mighty  bowl  crowned  with  a  garland  fair, 

And  filled  it  with  unwatered  wine  and  called  the  Gods  to  hear, 

High  standing  on  the  lofty  deck  : 

(  O  Gods  that  rule  the  earth  and  sea,  and  all  the  tides  of  storm, 

Make  our  way  easy  with  the  wind,  breathe  on  us  kindly  breath  ! ' 

Then  riseth  up  the  longed-for  breeze,  the  haven  openeth  530 

As  nigh  we  draw,  and  on  the  cliff  a  fane  of  Pallas  shows : 
Therewith  our  fellow-folk  furl  sail  and  shoreward  turn  the  prows. 
Bow-wise  the  bight  is  hollowed  out  by  eastward-setting  flood, 
But  over-foamed  by  salt-sea  spray  thrust  out  its  twin  horns  stood, 
While  it  lay  hidden  ;  tower-like  rocks  let  down  on  either  hand 
Twin  arms  of  rock-wall,  and  the  fane  lies  backward  from  the  strand. 

But  I  beheld  upon  the  grass  four  horses,  snowy  white, 

Grazing  the  meadows  far  and  wide,  first  omen  of  my  sight 

Father  Anchises  seeth  and  saith :  *  New  land,  and  bear'st  thou  war  ? 

For  war  are  horses  dight ;  so  these  war-threatening  herd-beasts  are.    540 


76  THE  ^ENEIDS  OF  VIRGIL. 

Yet  whiles  indeed  those  four-foot  things  in  car  will  well  refrain, 
And  tamed  beneath  the  yoke  will  bear  the  bit  and  bridle's  strain, 
So  there  is  yet  a  hope  of  peace.' 

Then  on  the  might  we  call 

Of  Pallas  of  the  weapon-din,  first  welcomer  of  all, 
And  veil  our  brows  before  the  Gods  with  cloth  of  Phrygian  dye  j 
And  that  chief  charge  of  Helenus  we  do  all  rightfully, 
And  Argive  Juno  worship  there  in  such  wise  as  is  willed. 

We  tarry  not,  but  when  all  vows  are  duly  there  fulfilled, 

Unto  the  wind  our  sail-yard  horns  we  fall  to  turn  about, 

And  leave  the  houses  of  the  Greeks,  and  nursing  fields  of  doubt          550 

And  next  is  seen  Tarentum's  bay,  the  Herculean  place 

If  fame  tell  true  ;  Lacinia  then,  the  house  of  Gods,  we  face  ; 

And  Caulon's  towers,  and  Scylaceum,  of  old  the  shipman's  bane, 

Then  see  we  JEtna.  rise  far  off  above  Trinacria's  main  ; 

Afar  the  mighty  moan  of  sea,  and  sea-cliffs  beaten  sore, 

We  hearken,  and  the  broken  voice  that  cometh  from  the  shore  : 

The  sea  leaps  high  upon  the  shoals,  the  eddy  churns  the  sand. 

Then  saith  Anchises :  « Lo  forsooth,  Charybdis  is  at  hand, 

Those  rocks  and  stones  the  dread  whereof  did  Helenus  foretell. 

Save  ye,  O  friends !  swing  out  the  oars  together  now  and  well ! '          560 

Nor  worser  than  his  word  they  do,  and  first  the  roaring  beaks 
Doth  Palinurus  leftward  wrest ;  then  all  the  sea-host  seeks 
With  sail  and  oar  the  waters  wild  upon  the  left  that  lie : 
Upheaved  upon  the  tossing  whirl  we  fare  unto  the  sky, 
Then  down  unto  the  nether  Gods  we  sink  upon  the  wave  : 
Thrice  from  the  hollow-carven  rocks  great  roar  the  sea-cliffs  gave  j 
Thrice  did  we  see  the  spray  cast  forth  and  stars  with  sea-dew  done  ; 
But  the  wind  left  us  weary  folk  at  sinking  of  the  sun, 
And  on  the  Cyclops'  strand  we  glide  unwitting  of  the  way. 


BOOK  III.  77 

Locked  from  the  wind  the  haven  is,  itself  an  ample  bay ;  570 

But  hard  at  hand  mid  ruin  and  fear  doth  ^tna  thunder  loud ; 

And  whiles  it  blasteth  forth  on  air  a  black  and  dreadful  cloud, 

That  rolleth  on  a  pitchy  wreath,  where  bright  the  ashes  mix, 

And  heaveth  up  great  globes  of  flame  and  heaven's  high  star-world  licks, 

And  other  whiles  the  very  cliff s,  and  riven  mountain-maw 

It  belches  forth  ;  the  molten  stones  together  will  it  draw 

Aloft  with  moan,  and  boileth  o'er  from  lowest  inner  vale. 

This  world  of  mountain  presseth  down,  as  told  it  is  in  tale, 

Enceladus  the  thunder-scorched  ;  huge  ^Etna  on  him  cast, 

From  all  her  bursten  furnaces  breathes  out  his  fiery  blast ;  580 

And  whensoe'er  his  weary  side  he  shifteth,  all  the  shore 

Trinacrian  trembleth  murmuring,  and  heaven  is  smoke-clad  o'er. 

In  thicket  close  we  wear  the  night  amidst  these  marvels  dread, 
Nor  may  we  see  what  thing  it  is  that  all  that  noise  hath  shed : 
For  neither  showed  the  planet  fires,  nor  was  the  heaven  bright 
With  starry  zenith ;  mirky  cloud  hung  over  all  the  night, 
In  midst  of  dead  untimely  tide  the  moon  was  hidden  close. 

But  when  from  earliest  Eastern  dawn  the  following  day  arose, 

And  fair  Aurora  from  the  heaven  the  watery  shades  had  cleared, 

Lo,  suddenly  from  out  the  wood  new  shape  of  man  appeared.  590 

Unknown  he  was,  most  utter  lean,  in  wretchedest  of  plight : 

Shoreward  he  stretched  his  suppliant  hands  ;  we  turn  back  at  the  sight, 

And  gaze  on  him :  all  squalor  there,  a  mat  of  beard  we  see, 

And  raiment  clasped  with  wooden  thorns  ;  and  yet  a  Greek  is  he, 

Yea,  sent  erewhile  to  leaguered  Troy  in  Greekish  weed  of  war. 

But  when  he  saw  our  Dardan  guise  and  arms  of  Troy  afar, 

Feared  at  the  sight  he  hung  aback  at  first  a  little  space, 

But  presently  ran  headlong  down  into  our  sea-side  place 

With  tears  and  prayers : 

'  O  Teucrian  men,  by  all  the  stars,'  he  cried, 


73  THE  ^ENEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

'  By  all  the  Gods,  by  light  of  heaven  ye  breathe,  O  bear  me  wide          600 

Away  from  here  !  to  whatso  land  henceforth  ye  lead  my  feet 

It  is  enough.     That  I  am  one  from  out  the  Danaan  fleet, 

And  that  I  warred  on  Ilian  house  erewhile,  most  true  it  is  ; 

For  which,  if  I  must  pay  so  much  wherein  I  wrought  amiss, 

Then  strew  me  on  the  flood  and  sink  my  body  in  the  sea ! 

To  die  by  hands  of  very  men  shall  be  a  joy  to  me.' 

He  spake  with  arms  about  our  knees,  and  wallowing  still  he  clung 

Unto  our  knees :  but  what  he  was  and  from  what  blood  he  sprung 

We  bade  him  say,  and  tell  withal  what  fate  upon  him  drave. 

His  right  hand  with  no  tarrying  then  Father  Anchises  gave  610 

Unto  the  youth,  and  heartened  him  with  utter  pledge  of  peace. 

So  now  he  spake  when  fear  of  us  amid  his  heart  did  cease : 

'Luckless  Ulysses'  man  am  I,  and  Ithaca  me  bore, 

Hight  Achemenides,  who  left  that  Adamastus  poor 

My  father  (would  I  still  were  there  !)  by  leaguered  Troy  to  be. 

Here  while  my  mates  aquake  with  dread  the  cruel  threshold  flee, 

They  leave  me  in  the  Cyclops'  den  unmindful  of  their  friend ; 

A  house  of  blood  and  bloody  meat,  most  huge  from  end  to  end, 

Mirky  within :  high  up  aloft  star-smiting  to  behold 

Is  he  himself ;  —  such  bane,  O  God,  keep  thou  from  field  and  fold !     620 

Scarce  may  a  man  look  on  his  face  ;  no  word  to  him  is  good  ; 

On  wretches'  entrails  doth  he  feed  and  black  abundant  blood. 

Myself  I  saw  him  of  our  folk  two  hapless  bodies  take 

In  his  huge  hand,  whom  straight  he  fell  athwart  a  stone  to  break 

As  there  he  lay  upon  his  back ;  I  saw  the  threshold  swim 

With  spouted  blood,  I  saw  him  grind  each  bloody  dripping  limb, 

I  saw  the  joints  amidst  his  teeth  all  warm  and  quivering  still. 

—  He  payed  therefore,  for  never  might  Ulysses  bear  such  ill, 

Nor  was  he  worser  than  himself  in  such  a  pinch  bestead  : 

For  when  with  victual  satiate,  deep  sunk  in  wine,  his  head  630 


BOOK  III.  79 

Fell  on  his  breast,  and  there  he  lay  enormous  through  the  den, 

Snorting  out  gore  amidst  his  sleep,  with  gobbets  of  the  men 

And  mingled  blood  and  wine ;  then  we  sought  the  great  Gods  with  prayer 

And  drew  the  lots,  and  one  and  all  crowded  about  him  there, 

And  bored  out  with  a  sharpened  pike  the  eye  that  used  to  lurk 

Enormous  lonely  'neath  his  brow  o'erhanging  grim  and  mirk, 

As  great  as  shield  of  Argolis,  or  Phcebus'  lamp  on  high  ; 

And  so  our  murdered  fellows'  ghosts  avenged  we  joyously. 

—  But  ye,  O  miserable  men,  flee  forth !  make  haste  to  pluck 

The  warping  hawser  from  the  shore !  640 

For  even  such,  and  e'en  so  great  as  Polypheme  in  cave 

Shuts  in  the  wealth  of  woolly  things  and  draws  the  udders'  wave, 

An  hundred  others  commonly  dwell  o'er  these  curving  bights, 

Unutterable  Cyclop  folk,  or  stray  about  the  heights. 

Thrice  have  the  twin  horns  of  the  moon  fulfilled  the  circle  clear 

While  I  have  dragged  out  life  in  woods  and  houses  of  the  deer, 

And  gardens  of  the  beasts  ;  and  oft  from  rocky  place  on  high 

Trembling  I  note  the  Cyclops  huge,  hear  foot  and  voice  go  by. 

And  evil  meat  of  wood-berries,  and  cornel's  flinty  fruit  649 

The  bush-boughs  give ;  on  grass  at  whiles  I  browse,  and  plucked-up  root 

So  wandering  all  about,  at  last  I  see  unto  the  shore 

Your  ships  a-coming  :  thitherward  my  steps  in  haste  I  bore : 

Whate'er  might  hap  enough  it  was  to  flee  this  folk  of  ill ; 

Rather  do  ye  in  any  wise  the  life  within  me  spill.' 

And  scarcely  had  he  said  the  word  ere  on  the  hill  above 

The  very  shepherd  Polypheme  his  mountain  mass  did  move, 

A  marvel  dread,  a  shapeless  trunk,  an  eyeless  monstrous  thing, 

Who  down  unto  the  shore  well  known  his  sheep  was  shepherding ; 

A  pine-tree  in  the  hand  of  him  leads  on  and  stays  his  feet ; 

The  woolly  sheep  his  fellows  are,  his  only  pleasure  sweet,  660 

The  only  solace  of  his  ill. 

But  when  he  touched  the  waters  deep,  and  mid  the  waves  was  come, 


8o  THE  ^ENEIDS  OF  VIRGIL. 

He  falls  to  wash  the  flowing  blood  from  off  his  eye  dug  out ; 

Gnashing  his  teeth  and  groaning  sore  he  walks  the  sea  about, 

But  none  the  less  no  wave  there  was  up  to  his  flank  might  win. 

Afeard  from  far  we  haste  to  flee,  and,  having  taken  in 

Our  suppliant,  who  had  earned  it  well,  cut  cable  silently, 

And  bending  to  the  eager  oars  sweep  out  along  the  sea. 

He  heard  it,  and  his  feet  he  set  to  follow  on  the  sound ; 

But  when  his  right  hand  failed  to  reach,  and  therewithal  he  found        670 

He  might  not  speed  as  fast  as  fares  the  Ionian  billow  lithe, 

Then  clamour  measureless  he  raised,  and  ocean  quaked  therewith 

Through  every  wave,  and  inwardly  the  land  was  terrified 

Of  Italy,  and  JEtua.  boomed  from  many-hollowed  side. 

But  all  the  race  of  Cyclops  stirred  from  woods  and  lofty  hills, 

Down  rushes  to  the  haven-side  and  all  the  haven  fills ; 

And  Etna's  gathered  brethren  there  we  see  ;  in  vain  they  stand 

Glowering  grim-eyed  with  heads  high  up  in  heaven,  a  dreadful  band 

Of  councillors  :  they  were  as  when  on  ridge  aloft  one  sees 

The  oaks  stand  thick  against  the  sky,  and  cone-hung  cypresses,  680 

Jove's  lofty  woods,  or  thicket  where  Diana's  footsteps  stray. 

Then  headlong  fear  fell  on  our  folk  in  whatsoever  way 

To  shake  the  reefs  out,  spreading  sail  to  any  wind  that  blew ; 

But  Helenus  had  bid  us  steer  a  midmost  course  and  true 

'Twixt  Scylla  and  Charybdis,  lest  to  death  we  sail  o'er-close  : 

So  safest  seemed  for  backward  course  to  let  the  sails  go  loose. 

But  lo,  from  out  Pelorus'  strait  comes  down  the  northern  flaw, 

And  past  Pantagia's  haven-mouth  of  living  stone  we  draw, 

And  through  the  gulf  of  Megara  by  Thapsus  lying  low. 

Such  names  did  Achemenides,  Ulysses'  fellow,  show,  690 

As  now  he  coasted  back  again  the  shore  erst  wandered  by. 

In  jaws  of  the  Sicanian  bay  there  doth  an  island  lie 
Against  Plemyrium's  wavy  face ;  folk  called  it  in  old  days 


BOOK  III.  8 1 

Ortygia  :  there,  as  tells  the  tale,  Alpheus  burrowed  ways 

From  his  own  Elis  'neath  the  sea,  and  now  by  mouth  of  thine, 

O  Arethusa,  blendeth  him  with  that  Sicilian  brine. 

We  pray  the  isle's  great  deities,  e'en  as  we  bidden  were : 

And  thence  we  pass  the  earth  o'erfat  about  Helorus'  mere ; 

Then  by  Pachynus'  lofty  crags  and  thrust-forth  rocks  we  skim, 

And  Camarina  showeth  next  a  long  way  off  and  dim ;  700 

Her  whom  the  Fates  would  ne'er  be  moved  :  then  comes  the  plain  in  sight 

Of  Gela,  yea,  and  Gela  huge  from  her  own  river  hight : 

Then  Acragas  the  very  steep  shows  great  walls  far  away, 

Begetter  of  the  herds  of  horse  high-couraged  on  a  day. 

Then  thee,  Selinus  of  the  palms,  I  leave  with  happy  wind, 

And  coast  the  Lilybean  shoals  and  tangled  skerries  blind. 

But  next  the  firth  of  Drepanum,  the  strand  without  a  joy, 

Will  have  me.     There  I  tost  so  sore,  the  tempests'  very  toy, 

O  woe  is  me  !  my  father  lose,  lightener  of  every  care, 

Of  every  ill :  me  all  alone,  me  weary,  father  dear,  710 

There  wouldst  thou  leave ;  thou  borne  away  from  perils  all  for  nought ! 

Ah,  neither  Helenus  the  seer,  despite  the  fears  he  taught, 

Nor  grim  Celaeno  in  her  wrath,  this  grief  of  soul  forebode. 

This  was  the  latest  of  my  toils,  the  goal  of  all  my  road, 

For  me  departed  thence  some  God  to  this  your  land  did  bear." 

So  did  the  Father  ^Eneas,  with  all  at  stretch  to  hear, 

Tell  o'er  the  fateful  ways  of  God,  and  of  his  wanderings  teach : 

But  here  he  hushed  him  at  the  last  and  made  an  end  of  speech. 


BOOK     IV. 


ARGUMENT. 

HEREIN  IS  TOLD  OF  THE  GREAT  LOVE  OF  DIDO,  QUEEN  OF  CARTHAGE, 
AND  THE  WOEFUL  ENDING  OF  HER. 

"VTEANWHILE  the  Queen,  long  smitten  sore  with  sting  of  all  desire, 

With  very  heart's  blood  feeds  the  wound  and  wastes  with  hidden  fire. 
And  still  there  runneth  in  her  mind  the  hero's  valiancy, 
And  glorious  stock ;  his  words,  his  face,  fast  in  her  heart  they  lie : 
Nor  may  she  give  her  body  peace  amid  that  restless  pain. 

But  when  the  next  day  Phoebus'  lamp  lit  up  the  lands  again, 

And  now  Aurora  from  the  heavens  had  rent  the  mist  apart, 

Sick-souled  her  sister  she  bespeaks,  the  sharer  of  her  heart : 

"  Sister,  O  me,  this  sleepless  pain  that  fears  me  with  unrest ! 

O  me,  within  our  house  and  home  this  new-come  wondrous  guest!          10 

Ah,  what  a  countenance  and  mien !  in  arms  and  heart  how  strong  ! 

Surely  to  trow  him  of  the  Gods  it  doth  no  wisdom  wrong ; 

For  fear  it  is  shows  base-born  souls.     Woe's  me  !  how  tost  about 

By  fortune  was  he !  how  he  showed  war's  utter  wearing  out ! 

And,  but  my  heart  for  ever  now  were  set  immovably 

Never  to  let  me  long  again  the  wedding  bond  to  tie, 

Since  love  betrayed  me  first  of  all  with  him  my  darling  dead, 

And  were  I  not  all  weary-sick  of  torch  and  bridal  bed, 

This  sin  alone  of  all  belike  my  falling  heart  might  trap  ; 

For,  Anna,  I  confess  it  thee,  since  poor  Sychaeus'  hap,  20 

My  husband  dead,  my  hearth  acold  through  murderous  brother's  deed, 


BOOK  IV.  83 

This  one  alone  hath  touched  the  quick ;  this  one  my  heart  may  lead 

Unto  its  fall :  I  feel  the  signs  of  fire  of  long  agone. 

And  yet  I  pray  the  deeps  of  earth  beneath  my  feet  may  yawn, 

I  pray  the  Father  send  me  down  bolt-smitten  to  the  shades, 

The  pallid  shades  of  Erebus,  the  night  that  never  fades, 

Before,  O  Shame,  I  shame  thy  face,  or  loose  what  thou  hast  tied ! 

He  took  away  the  love  from  me,  who  bound  me  to  his  side 

That  first  of  times.     Ah,  in  the  tomb  let  love  be  with  him  still ! ' 

The  tears  arisen  as  she  spake  did  all  her  bosom  fill.  30 

But  Anna  saith  :  "  Dearer  to  me  than  very  light  of  day, 

Must  thou  alone  and  sorrowing  wear  all  thy  youth  away, 

Nor  see  sweet  sons,  nor  know  the  joys  that  gentle  Venus  brings  ? 

Deem'st  thou  dead  ash  or  buried  ghosts  have  heed  of  such-like  things? 

So  be  it  that  thy  sickened  soul  no  man  to  yield  hath  brought 

In  Libya  as  in  Tyre  ;  let  be  larbas  set  at  nought, 

And  other  lords,  whom  Africa,  the  rich  in  battle's  bliss, 

Hath  nursed :  but  now,  with  love  beloved,  —  must  thou  be  foe  to  this  ? 

Yea,  hast  thou  not  within  thy  mind  amidst  whose  bounds  we  are  ? 

Here  the  Gaetulian  cities  fierce,  a  folk  unmatched  in  war,  40 

And  hard  Numidia's  bitless  folk,  and  Syrtes'  guestless  sand 

Lie  round  thee  :  there  Barcaeans  wild,  the  rovers  of  the  land, 

Desert  for  thirst :  what  need  to  tell  of  wars  new-born  in  Tyre, 

And  of  thy  murderous  brother's  threats  ? 

Meseems  by  very  will  of  Gods,  by  Juno's  loving  mind, 

The  Ilian  keels  run  down  their  course  before  the  following  wind. 

Ah,  what  a  city  shalt  thou  see !  how  shall  the  lordship  wax 

With  such  a  spouse  !  with  Teucrian  arms  our  brothers  at  our  backs 

Unto  what  glory  of  great  deeds  the  Punic  realm  may  reach ! 

But  thou,  go  seek  the  grace  of  Gods,  with  sacrifice  beseech  ;  50 

Then  take  thy  fill  of  guest-serving ;  weave  web  of  all  delays  : 

The  wintry  raging  of  the  sea,  Orion's  watery  ways, 

The  way-worn  ships,  the  heavens  unmeet  for  playing  seaman's  part" 


84  THE  ^ENEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

So  saying,  she  blew  the  flame  of  love  within  her  kindled  heart, 
And  gave  her  doubtful  soul  a  hope  and  loosed  the  girth  of  shame. 

Then  straight  they  fare  unto  the  shrines,  by  every  altar's  flame 

Praying  for  peace  ;  and  hosts  they  slay,  chosen  as  custom  would, 

To  Phoebus,  Ceres  wise  of  law,  Father  Lyaeus  good, 

But  chiefest  unto  Juno's  might,  that  wedlock  hath  in  care. 

There  bowl  in  hand  stands  Dido  forth,  most  excellently  fair,  60 

And  pours  between  the  sleek  cow's  horns  ;  or  to  and  fro  doth  pace 

Before  the  altars  fat  with  prayer,  'neath  very  godhead's  face, 

And  halloweth  in  the  day  with  gifts,  and,  gazing  eagerly 

Amid  the  host's  yet  beating  heart,  for  answering  rede  must  try. 

—  Woe's  me  !  the  idle  mind  of  priests !  what  prayer,  what  shrine  avails 

The  wild  with  love !  —  and  all  the  while  the  smooth  flame  never  fails 

To  eat  her  heart :  the  silent  wound  lives  on  within  her  breast : 

Unhappy  Dido  burneth  up,  and,  wild  with  all  unrest, 

For  ever  strays  the  city  through :  as  arrow-smitten  doe, 

Unwary,  whom  some  herd  from  far  hath  drawn  upon  with  bow  70 

Amid  the  Cretan  woods,  and  left  the  swift  steel  in  the  sore, 

Unknowing :  far  in  flight  she  strays  the  woods  and  thickets  o'er, 

'Neath  Dictse's  heights ;  but  in  her  flank  still  bears  the  deadly  reed. 

Now  midmost  of  the  city-walls  vEneas  doth  she  lead, 

And  shows  him  the  Sidonian  wealth,  the  city's  guarded  ways ; 

And  now  she  falls  to  speech,  and  now  amidst  a  word  she  stays. 

Then  at  the  dying  of  the  day  the  feast  she  dights  again, 

And,  witless,  once  again  will  hear  the  tale  of  Ilium's  pain  ; 

And  once  more  hangeth  on  the  lips  that  tell  the  tale  aloud. 

But  after  they  were  gone  their  ways,  and  the  dusk  moon  did  shroud      80 

Her  light  in  turn,  and  setting  stars  bade  all  to  sleep  away, 

Lone  in  the  empty  house  she  mourns,  broods  over  where  he  lay, 

Hears  him  and  sees  him,  she  apart  from  him  that  is  apart. 

Or,  by  his  father's  image  smit,  Ascanius  to  her  heart 


BOOK  IV.  85 

She  taketh,  if  her  utter  love  she  may  thereby  beguile. 

No  longer  rise  the  walls  begun,  nor  play  the  youth  this  while 

In  arms,  or  fashion  havens  forth,  or  ramparts  of  the  war : 

Broken  is  all  that  handicraft  and  mastery ;  idle  are 

The  mighty  threatenings  of  the  walls  and  engines  wrought  heaven  high. 

Now  when  the  holy  wife  of  Jove  beheld  her  utterly  90 

Held  by  that  plague,  whose  madness  now  not  e'en  her  fame  might  stay, 

Then  unto  Venus,  Saturn's  seed  began  such  words  to  say : 

"  Most  glorious  praise  ye  carry  off,  meseems,  most  wealthy  spoil, 

Thou  and  thy  Boy ;  wondrous  the  might,  and  long  to  tell  the  toil, 

Whereas  two  Gods  by  dint  of  craft  one  woman  have  o'erthrown. 

But  well  I  wot,  that  through  your  fear  of  walls  I  call  mine  own, 

In  welcome  of  proud  Carthage  doors  your  hearts  may  never  trow. 

But  what  shall  be  the  end  hereof  ?  where  wends  our  contest  now  ? 

What  if  a  peace  that  shall  endure,  and  wedlock  surely  bound,  99 

We  fashion  ?    That  which  all  thine  heart  was  set  on  thou  hast  found. 

For  Dido  burns :  bone  of  her  bone  thy  madness  is  today : 

So  let  us  rule  these  folks  as  one  beneath  an  equal  sway : 

Let  the  doom  be  that  she  shall  take  a  Phrygian  man  for  lord, 

And  to  thine  hand  for  dowry  due  her  Tyrian  folk  award." 

But  Venus  felt  that  Juno's  guile  within  the  word  did  live, 

Who  lordship  due  to  Italy  to  Libya  fain  would  give, 

So  thus  she  answered  her  again :  "  Who  were  so  overbold 

To  gainsay  this  ?  or  who  would  wish  war  against  thee  to  hold, 

If  only  this  may  come  to  pass,  and  fate  the  deed  may  seal  ? 

But  doubtful  drifts  my  mind  of  fate,  if  one  same  town  and  weal  no 

Jove  giveth  to  the  Tyrian  folk  and  those  from  Troy  outcast, 

If  he  will  have  those  folks  to  blend  and  bind  the  treaty  fast 

Thou  art  his  wife  :  by  prayer  may'st  thou  prove  all  his  purpose  weighed. 

Set  forth,  I  follow." 

Juno  then  took  up  the  word  and  said : 


86  THE  ^ENEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

"  Yea,  that  shall  be  my  very  work :  how  that  which  presseth  now 

May  be  encompassed,  hearken  ye,  in  few  words  will  I  show  : 

^Eneas  and  the  hapless  queen  are  minded  forth  to  fare 

For  hunting  to  the  thicket-side,  when  Titan  first  shall  bear 

Tomorrow's  light  aloft,  and  all  the  glittering  world  unveil : 

On  them  a  darkening  cloud  of  rain,  blended  with  drift  of  hail,  120 

Will  I  pour  down,  while  for  the  hunt  the  feathered  snare-lines  shake, 

And  toils  about  the  thicket  go :  all  heaven  will  I  awake 

With  thunder,  and  their  scattered  folk  the  mid-mirk  shall  enwrap : 

Then  Dido  and  the  Trojan  lord  on  one  same  cave  shall  hap ; 

I  will  be  there,  and  if  to  me  thy  heart  be  stable  grown, 

In  wedlock  will  I  join  the  two  and  deem  her  all  his  own : 

And  there  shall  be  their  bridal  God." 

Then  Venus  nought  gainsaid, 
But,  nodding  yea,  she  smiled  upon  the  snare  before  her  laid. 

Meanwhile  Aurora  risen  up  had  left  the  ocean  stream, 

And  gateward  throng  the  chosen  youth  in  first  of  morning's  beam,       130 

And  wide-meshed  nets,  and  cordage-toils  and  broad-steeled  spears  abound. 

Massylian  riders  go  their  ways  with  many  a  scenting  hound. 

The  lords  of  Carthage  by  the  door  bide  till  the  tarrying  queen 

Shall  leave  her  chamber :  there,  with  gold  and  purple  well  beseen, 

The  mettled  courser  stands,  and  champs  the  bit  that  bids  him  bide. 

At  last  she  cometh  forth  to  them  with  many  a  man  beside : 

A  cloak  of  Sidon  wrapped  her  round  with  pictured  border  wrought, 

Her  quiver  was  of  fashioned  gold,  and  gold  her  tresses  caught ; 

The  gathering  of  her  purple  gown  a  golden  buckle  had. 

Then  come  the  Phrygian  fellows  forth  ;  comes  forth  lulus  glad  ;          140 

Yea  and  ^Eneas'  very  self  is  of  their  fellowship, 

And  joins  their  band :  in  goodliness  all  those  did  he  outstrip  : 

E'en  such  as  when  Apollo  leaves  the  wintry  Lycian  shore, 

And  Xanthus'  stream,  and  Delos  sees,  his  mother's  isle  once  more ; 


BOOK   IV.  87 

And  halloweth  in  the  dance  anew,  while  round  the  altars  shout 

The  Cretans  and  the  Dryopes,  and  painted  Scythian  rout : 

He  steps  it  o'er  the  Cynthus'  ridge,  and  leafy  crown  to  hold 

His  flowing  tresses  doth  he  weave,  and  intertwines  the  gold, 

And  on  his  shoulders  clang  the  shafts.     Nor  duller  now  passed  on 

./Eneas,  from  his  noble  face  such  wondrous  glory  shone.  150 

So  come  they  to  the  mountain-side  and  pathless  deer-fed  ground, 

And  lo,  from  hill-tops  driven  adown,  how  swift  the  wild  goats  bound 

Along  the  ridges  :  otherwhere  across  the  open  lea 

Run  hart  and  hind,  and  gathering  up  their  horned  host  to  flee, 

Amid  a  whirling  cloud  of  dust  they  leave  the  mountain-sides. 

But  here  the  boy  Ascanius  the  midmost  valley  rides, 

And  glad,  swift-horsed,  now  these  he  leaves,  now  those  he  flees  before, 

And  fain  were  he  mid  deedless  herds  to  meet  a  foaming  boar, 

Or  see  some  yellow  lion  come  the  mountain-slopes  adown.  159 

Meanwhile  with  mighty  murmuring  sound  confused  the  heavens  are  grown, 
And  thereupon  the  drift  of  rain  and  hail  upon  them  broke ; 
Therewith  the  scattered  Trojan  youth,  the  Tyrian  fellow-folk, 
The  son  of  Venus'  Dardan  son,  scared  through  the  meadows  fly 
To  diverse  shelter,  while  the  streams  rush  from  the  mountains  high 

Then  Dido  and  the  Trojan  lord  meet  in  the  self-same  cave ; 
Then  Earth,  first-born  of  everything,  and  wedding  Juno  gave 
The  token  ;  then  the  wildfires  flashed,  and  air  beheld  them  wed, 
And  o'er  their  bridal  wailed  the  nymphs  in  hill-tops  overhead. 

That  day  began  the  tide  of  death ;  that  day  the  evil  came  ; 

No  more  she  heedeth  eyes  of  men ;  no  more  she  heedeth  fame ;  170 

No  more  hath  Dido  any  thought  a  stolen  love  to  win, 

But  calls  it  wedlock :  yea,  e'en  so  she  weaveth  up  the  sin. 

Straight  through  the  mighty  Libyan  folks  is  Rumour  on  the  wing  — 


88  THE  ^NEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

Rumour,  of  whom  nought  swifter  is  of  any  evil  thing : 

She  gathereth  strength  by  going  on,  and  bloometh  shifting  oft : 

A  little  thing,  afraid  at  first,  she  springeth  soon  aloft ; 

Her  feet  are  on  the  worldly  soil,  her  head  the  clouds  o'erlay. 

Earth,  spurred  by  anger  'gainst  the  Gods,  begot  her  as  they  say, 

Of  Coeus  and  Enceladus  the  latest  sister-birth. 

Swift  are  her  wings  to  cleave  the  air,  swift-foot  she  treads  the  earth  :    180 

A  monster  dread  and  huge,  on  whom  so  many  as  there  lie 

The  feathers,  under  each  there  lurks,  O  strange !  a  watchful  eye  ; 

And  there  wag  tongues,  and  babble  mouths,  and  hearkening  ears  upstand 

As  many :  all  a-dusk  by  night  she  flies  'twixt  sky  and  land 

Loud  clattering,  never  shutting  eye  in  rest  of  slumber  sweet. 

By  day  she  keepeth  watch  high-set  on  houses  of  the  street, 

Or  on  the  towers  aloft  she  sits  for  mighty  cities'  fear : 

And  lies  and  ill  she  loves  no  less  than  sooth  which  she  -must  bear. 

She  now,  rejoicing,  filled  the  folk  with  babble  many-voiced, 

And  matters  true  and  false  alike  sang  forth  as  she  rejoiced  :  190 

How  here  was  come  ^Eneas  now,  from  Trojan  blood  sprung  forth, 

Whom  beauteous  Dido  deemed  indeed  a  man  to  mate  her  worth : 

How  winter-long  betwixt  them  there  the  sweets  of  sloth  they  nursed, 

Unmindful  of  their  kingdoms'  weal  by  ill  desire  accursed. 

This  in  the  mouth  of  every  man  the  loathly  Goddess  lays, 

And  thence  to  King  larbas  straight  she  wendeth  on  her  ways, 

To  set  his  mind  on  fire  with  words,  and  high  his  wrath  to  lead. 

He,  sprung  from  Garamantian  nymph  and  very  Ammon's  seed, 

An  hundred  mighty  fanes  to  Jove,  an  hundred  altars  fair, 

Had  builded  in  his  wide  domain,  and  set  the  watch-fire  there,  200 

The  everlasting  guard  of  God :  there  fat  the  soil  was  grown 

With  blood  of  beasts  ;  the  threshold  bloomed  with  garlands  diverse  blown. 

He,  saith  the  tale,  all  mad  at  heart,  and  fired  with  bitter  fame, 

Amidmost  of  the  might  of  God  before  the  altars  came, 


BOOK  IV.  89 

And  prayed  a  many  things  to  Jove  with  suppliant  hands  outspread  : 

"  O  Jupiter,  almighty  lord,  to  whom  from  painted  bed 

The  banqueting  Maurusian  folk  Lenaean  joy  pours  forth, 

Dost  thou  behold  ?     O  Father,  is  our  dread  of  nothing  worth 

When  thou  art  thundering  ?     Yea,  forsooth,  a  blind  fire  of  the  clouds, 

An  idle  hubbub  of  the  sky,  our  souls  with  terror  loads  !  210 

A  woman  wandering  on  our  shore,  who  set  her  up  e'en  now 

A  little  money-cheapened  town,  to  whom  a  field  to  plough 

And  lordship  of  the  place  we  gave,  hath  thrust  away  my  word 

Of  wedlock,  and  hath  taken  in  ^Eneas  for  her  lord : 

And  now  this  Paris,  hedged  around  with  all  his  gelding  rout, 

Maeonian  mitre  tied  to  chin,  and  wet  hair  done  about, 

Sits  on  the  prey  while  to  thine  house  a  many  gifts  we  bear, 

Still  cherishing  an  idle  tale  who  our  begetters  were." 

The  Almighty  heard  him  as  he  prayed  holding  the  altar-horns, 

And  to  the  war-walls  of  the  Queen  his  eyes  therewith  he  turns,  220 

And  sees  the  lovers  heeding  nought  the  glory  of  their  lives  ; 

Then  Mercury  he  calls  to  him,  and  such  a  bidding  gives : 

"  Go  forth,  O  Son,  the  Zephyrs  call,  and  glide  upon  the  wing 

Unto  the  duke  of  Dardan  men  in  Carthage  tarrying, 

Who  hath  no  eyes  to  see  the  walls  that  fate  to  him  hath  given : 

Speak  to  him,  Son,  and  bear  my  words  down  the  swift  air  of  heaven : 

His  fairest  mother  promised  us  no  such  a  man  at  need, 

Nor  claimed  him  twice  from  Greekish  sword  to  live  for  such  a  deed. 

But  Italy,  the  fierce  in  war,  the  big  with  empire's  brood, 

Was  he  to  rule ;  to  get  for  us  from  glorious  Teucer's  blood  230 

That  folk  of  folks,  and  all  the  world  beneath  his  laws  to  lay. 

But  if  such  glory  of  great  deeds  nought  stirreth  him  today, 

Nor  for  his  own  fame  hath  he  heart  the  toil  to  overcome, 

Yet  shall  the  father  grudge  the  son  the  towered  heights  of  Rome  ? 

What  doth  he  ?  tarrying  for  what  hope  among  the  enemy  ? 


90  THE  ^ENEIDS    OF  VIRGIL. 

And  hath  no  eyes  Ausonian  sons,  Lavinian  land  to  see  ? 

Let  him  to  ship  !  this  is  the  doom  ;  this  word  I  bid  thee  bear." 

He  spake :  his  mighty  father's  will  straight  did  the  God  prepare 

To  compass,  and  his  golden  shoes  first  bindeth  on  his  feet, 

E'en  those  which  o'er  the  ocean  plain  aloft  on  feathers  fleet,  240 

Or  over  earth  swift  bear  him  on  before  the  following  gale : 

And  then  his  rod  he  takes,  wherewith  he  calleth  spirits  pale 

From  Orcus,  or  those  others  sends  sad  Tartarus  beneath, 

And  giveth  sleep  and  takes  away,  and  openeth  eyes  to  death ; 

The  rod  that  sways  the  ocean-winds  and  rules  the  cloudy  rack. 

Now  winging  way  he  comes  in  sight  of  peak  and  steepy  back 

Of  flinty  Atlas,  on  whose  head  all  heaven  is  set  adown  — 

Of  Atlas  with  the  piny  head,  and  never-failing  crown 

Of  mirky  cloud,  beat  on  with  rain  and  all  the  winds  that  blow :  249 

A  snow-cloak  o'er  his  shoulders  falls,  and  headlong  streams  o'erflow 

His  ancient  chin ;  his  bristling  beard  with  plenteous  ice  is  done. 

There  hovering  on  his  poised  wings  stayed  that  Cyllenian  one, 

And  all  his  gathered  body  thence  sent  headlong  toward  the  waves  ; 

Then  like  a  bird  the  shores  about,  about  the  fishy  caves, 

Skims  low  adown  upon  the  wing  the  sea-plain's  face  anigh, 

Not  otherwise  'twixt  heaven  and  earth  Cyllene's  God  did  fly ; 

And  now,  his  mother's  father  great  a  long  way  left  behind, 

Unto  the  sandy  Libya's  shore  he  clave  the  driving  wind. 

But  when  the  cot-built  place  of  earth  he  felt  beneath  his  feet, 

He  saw  ^Eneas  founding  towers  and  raising  houses  meet :  260 

Starred  was  the  sword  about  him  girt  with  yellow  jasper  stone, 

The  cloak  that  from  his  shoulders  streamed  with  Tyrian  purple  shone : 

Fair  things  that  wealthy  Dido's  hand  had  given  him  for  a  gift, 

Who  with  the  gleam  of  thready  gold  the  purple  web  did  shift. 

Then  brake  the  God  on  him :  "  Forsooth,  tall  Carthage  wilt  thou  found, 
O  lover,  and  a  city  fair  raise  up  from  out  the  ground  ? 


BOOK  IV.  91 

Woe's  me  !  thy  lordship  and  thy  deeds  hast  thou  forgotten  quite  ? 

The  very  ruler  of  the  Gods  down  from  Olympus  bright 

Hafh  sent  me,  he  whose  majesty  the  earth  and  heavens  obey; 

This  was  the  word  he  bade  me  bear  adown  the  windy  way.  270 

What  dost  thou  ?  hoping  for  what  hope  in  Libya  dost  thou  wear 

Thy  days  ?  if  glorious  fated  things  thine  own  soul  may  not  stir, 

And  heart  thou  lackest  for  thy  fame  the  coming  toil  to  wed, 

Think  on  Ascanius'  dawn  of  days  and  hope  inherited, 

To  whom  is  due  the  Italian  realm  and  all  the  world  of  Rome ! " 

But  when  from  out  Cyllenius'  mouth  such  word  as  this  had  come, 

Amidst  his  speech  he  left  the  sight  of  men  that  die  from  day, 

And  mid  thin  air  from  eyes  of  folk  he  faded  far  away. 

But  sore  the  sight  ^Eneas  feared,  and  wit  from  out  him  drave  ; 

His  hair  stood  up,  amidst  his  jaws  the  voice  within  him  clave.  280 

Bewildered  by  that  warning  word,  and  by  that  God's  command, 

He  yearneth  to  depart  and  flee,  and  leave  the  lovely  land. 

Ah,  what  to  do  ?  and  with  what  word  may  he  be  bold  to  win 

Peace  of  the  Queen  all  mad  with  love  ?  what  wise  shall  he  begin  ? 

Hither  and  thither  now  he  sends  his  mind  all  eager-swift, 

And  bears  it  diversely  away  and  runs  o'er  every  shift : 

At  last,  as  many  things  he  weighed,  this  seemed  the  better  rede. 

Mnestheus,  Sergestus,  straight  he  calls,  Sergestus  stout  at  need, 

And  bids  them  dight  ship  silently  and  bring  their  folk  to  shore, 

And  dight  their  gear,  and  cause  thereof  with  lying  cover  o'er ;  290 

While  he  himself,  since  of  all  this  kind  Dido  knoweth  nought, 

Nor  of  the  ending  of  such  love  may  ever  have  a  thought, 

Will  seek  to  draw  anigh  the  Queen,  seek  time  wherein  the  word 

May  softliest  be  said  to  her,  the  matter  lightliest  stirred. 

So  all  they  glad  his  bidding  do,  and  get  them  to  the  work. 

But  who  may  hoodwink  loving  eyes  ?     She  felt  the  treason  lurk 
About  her  life,  and  from  the  first  saw  all  that  was  to  be ; 


92  THE  ^SNEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

Fearing  indeed  where  no  fear  was.     That  Rumour  wickedly 

Told  her  wild  soul  of  ship-host  armed  and  ready  to  set  out ; 

The  heart  died  in  her ;  all  aflame  she  raves  the  town  about,  300 

E'en  as  a  Thyad,  who,  soul-smit  by  holy  turmoil,  hears 

The  voice  of  Bacchus  on  the  day  that  crowns  the  triple  years, 

And  mirk  Cithseron  through  the  night  hath  called  her  clamorous. 

Unto  ^Eneas  at  the  last  herself  she  speaketh  thus : 

"  O  thou  forsworn  !  and  hast  thou  hoped  with  lies  to  cover  o'er 

Such  wickedness,  and  silently  to  get  thee  from  my  shore  ? 

Our  love,  it  hath  not  held  thee  back  ?  nor  right  hand  given  in  faith 

Awhile  agone  ?  nor  Dido  doomed  to  die  a  bitter  death  ? 

Yea,  e'en  beneath  the  winter  heavens  thy  fleet  thou  gatherest 

In  haste  to  fare  across  the  main  amid  the  north's  unrest.  310 

O  cruel !     What  if  land  unknown  and  stranger  field  and  fold 

Thou  sought'st  not ;  if  the  ancient  Troy  stood  as  in  days  of  old ; 

Wouldst  thou  not  still  be  seeking  Troy  across  the  wavy  brine  ? 

—  Yea,  me  thou  fleest.     O  by  these  tears,  by  that  right  hand  of  thine, 

Since  I  myself  have  left  myself  unhappy  nought  but  this, 

And  by  our  bridal  of  that  day  and  early  wedding  bliss, 

If  ever  I  were  worthy  thanks,  if  sweet  in  aught  I  were, 

Pity  a  falling  house !     If  yet  be  left  a  space  for  prayer, 

O  then  I  pray  thee  put  away  this  mind  of  evil  things  ! 

Because  of  thee  the  Libyan  folks,  and  those  Numidian  kings,  320 

Hate  me,  and  Tyrians  are  my  foes :  yea,  and  because  of  thee 

My  shame  is  gone,  and  that  which  was  my  heavenward  road  to  be, 

My  early  glory.  —  Guest,  to  whom  leav'st  thou  thy  dying  friend  ? 

Since  of  my  husband  nought  but  this  is  left  me  in  the  end. 

Why  bide  I  till  Pygmalion  comes  to  lay  my  walls  alow, 

Till  taken  by  Getulian  kings,  larbas'  slave  I  go  ? 

Ah !  if  at  least  ere  thou  wert  gone  some  child  of  thee  I  had  1 

If  yet  ^Eneas  in  mine  house  might  play  a  little  lad, 

E'en  but  to  bring  aback  the  face  of  that  beloved  one, 


BOOK  IV.  93 

Then  were  I  never  vanquished  quite,  nor  utterly  undone."  330 

She  spake  :  he,  warned  by  Jove's  command,  his  eyes  still  steadfast  held, 
And,  striving,  thrust  his  sorrow  back,  howso  his  heartstrings  swelled  : 
At  last  he  answered  shortly  thus  : 

"  O  Queen,  though  words  may  fail 

To  tell  thy  loving-kindness,  ne'er  my  heart  belies  the  tale  : 
Still  shall  it  be  a  joy  to  think  of  sweet  Elissa's  days 
While  of  myself  I  yet  may  think,  while  breath  my  body  sways. 
Few  words  about  the  deed  in  hand :  ne'er  in  my  mind  it  came 
As  flees  a  thief  to  flee  from  thee  ;  never  the  bridal  flame 
Did  I  hold  forth,  or  plight  my  troth  such  matters  to  fulfil. 
If  fate  would  let  me  lead  a  life  according  to  my  will,  340 

Might  I  such  wise  as  pleaseth  me  my  troubles  lay  to  rest, 
By  Troy-town  surely  would  I  bide  among  the  ashes  blest 
Of  my  beloved,  and  Priam's  house  once  more  aloft  should  stand ; 
New  Pergamos  for  vanquished  men  should  rise  beneath  my  hand. 
But  now  Grynean  Phoebus  bids  toward  Italy  the  great 
To  reach  my  hand ;  to  Italy  biddeth  the  Lycian  fate  : 
There  is  my  love,  there  is  my  land.     If  Carthage  braveries 
And  lovely  look  of  Libyan  walls  hold  fast  thy  Tyrian  eyes, 
Why  wilt  thou  grudge  the  Teucrian  men  Ausonian  dwelling-place  ? 
If  we  too  seek  the  outland  realm,  for  us  too  be  there  grace  !  350 

Father  Anchises,  whensoe'er  night  covereth  up  the  earth 
With  dewy  dark,  and  whensoe'er  the  bright  stars  come  to  birth, 
His  troubled  image  midst  of  sleep  brings  warning  word  and  fear. 
Ascanius  weigheth  on  my  heart  with  wrong  of  head  so  dear, 
Whom  I  beguile  of  fateful  fields  and  realm  of  Italy. 
Yea,  even  now  God's  messenger  sent  from  the  Jove  on  high, 
(Bear  witness  either  head  of  us  !)  bore  doom  of  God  adown 
The  eager  wind  :  I  saw  the  God  enter  the  fair-walled  town 
In  simple  light :  I  drank  his  voice,  yea  with  these  ears  of  mine. 
Cease  then  to  burn  up  with  thy  wail  my  burdened  heart  and  thine !     360 


94  THE  ^ENEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

Perforce  I  follow  Italy." 

But  now  this  long  while,  as  he  spake,  athwart  and  wild  she  gazed, 

And  here  and  there  her  eyeballs  rolled,  and  strayed  with  silent  look 

His  body  o'er ;  and  at  the  last  with  heart  of  fire  outbroke : 

"  Traitor !  no  Goddess  brought  thee  forth,  nor  Dardanus  was  first 

Of  thine  ill  race  :  but  Caucasus  on  spiky  crags  accurst 

Begot  thee ;  and  Hyrcanian  dugs  of  tigers  suckled  thee. 

Why  hide  it  now  ?  why  hold  me  back  lest  greater  evil  be  ? 

For  did  he  sigh  the  while  I  wept  ?  his  eyes  —  what  were  they  moved  ? 

Hath  he  been  vanquished  unto  tears,  or  pitied  her  that  loved  ?  370 

—  Ah,  is  aught  better  now  than  aught,  when  Juno  utter  great, 
Yea  and  the  Father  on  all  this  with  evil  eyen  wait  ? 

All  faith  is  gone !  I  took  him  in  a  stranded  outcast,  bare : 

Yea  in  my  very  throne  and  land,  ah  fool !  I  gave  him  share. 

His  missing  fleet  I  brought  aback  ;  from  death  I  brought  his  friends. 

—  Woe !  how  the  Furies  burn  me  up  !  —  Now  seer  Apollo  sends, 
Now  bidding  send  the  Lycian  lots ;  now  sendeth  Jove  on  high 
His  messenger  to  bear  a  curse  adown  the  windy  sky  ! 

Such  is  the  toil  of  Gods  aloft ;  such  are  the  cares  that  rack 

Their  souls  serene.  —  I  hold  thee  not,  nor  cast  thy  words  aback.          380 

Go  down  the  wind  to  Italy !  seek  lordship  o'er  the  sea ! 

Only  I  hope  amid  the  rocks,  if  any  God  there  be, 

Thou  shalt  drink  in  thy  punishment  and  call  on  Dido's  name 

Full  oft :  and  I,  though  gone  away,  will  follow  with  black  flame ; 

And  when  cold  death  from  out  my  limbs  my  soul  hath  won  away, 

I  will  be  with  thee  everywhere ;  O  wretch,  and  thou  shalt  pay. 

Ah,  I  shall  hear  ;  the  tale  of  all  shall  reach  me  midst  the  dead." 

Therewith  she  brake  her  speech  athwart,  and  sick  at  heart  she  fled 
The  outer  air,  and  turned  away,  and  gat  her  from  his  eyes ; 
Leaving  him  dallying  with  his  fear,  and  turning  many  wise  390 

The  words  to  say.     Her  serving-maids  the  fainting  body  weak, 


BOOK  IV.  95 

Bear  back  unto  the  marble  room  and  on  the  pillows  streak. 

But  God-fearing  ^Eneas  now,  however  fain  he  were 

To  soothe  her  grief  and  with  soft  speech  assuage  her  weary  care, 

Much  groaning,  and  the  heart  of  him  shaken  with  loving  pain, 

Yet  went  about  the  God's  command  and  reached  his  ships  again. 

Then  fall  the  Teucrians  on  indeed,  and  over  all  the  shore 

Roll  the  tall  ships ;  the  pitchy  keel  swims  in  the  sea  once  more : 

They  bear  the  oars  still  leaf-bearing :  they  bring  the  might  of  wood, 

Unwrought,  so  fain  of  flight  they  are.  400 

Lo  now  their  flitting !  how  they  run  from  all  the  town  in  haste  ! 

E'en  as  the  ants,  the  winter-wise,  are  gathered  whiles  to  waste 

A  heap  of  corn,  and  toil  that  same  beneath  their  roof  to  lay, 

Forth  goes  the  black  troop  mid  the  mead,  and  carries  forth  the  prey 

Over  the  grass  in  narrow  line :  some  strive  with  shoulder-might 

And  push  along  a  grain  o'ergreat,  some  drive  the  line  aright, 

Or  scourge  the  loiterers :  hot  the  work  fares  all  along  the  road. 

Ah  Dido,  when  thou  sawest  all  what  heart  in  thee  abode ! 
What  groans  thou  gavest  when  thou  saw'st  from  tower-top  the  long  strand 
A-boil  with  men  all  up  and  down ;  the  sea  on  every  hand  410 

Before  thine  eyes  by  stir  of  men  torn  into  all  unrest ! 

0  evil  Love,  where  wilt  thou  not  drive  on  a  mortal  breast  ? 
Lo,  she  is  driven  to  weep  again  and  pray  him  to  be  kind, 
And  suppliant,  in  the  bonds  of  love  her  lofty  heart  to  bind, 

Lest  she  should  leave  some  way  untried  and  die  at  last  for  nought. 

"  Anna,  thou  seest  the  strand  astir,  the  men  together  brought 
From  every  side,  the  canvas  spread  calling  the  breezes  down, 
While  joyful  on  the  quarter-deck  the  sea-folk  lay  the  crown. 
Sister,  since  I  had  might  to  think  that  such  a  thing  could  be, 

1  shall  have  might  to  bear  it  now :  yet  do  one  thing  for  me,  430 
Poor  wretch,  O  Anna :  for  to  thee  alone  would  he  be  kind, 


96  THE  ^ENEIDS  OF  VIRGIL. 

That  traitor,  and  would  trust  to  thee  the  inmost  of  his  mind  ; 
And  thou  alone  his  softening  ways  and  melting  times  dost  know. 

0  sister,  speak  a  suppliant  word  to  that  high-hearted  foe : 

1  never  swore  at  Aulis  there  to  pluck  up  root  and  branch 
The  Trojan  folk  ;  for  Pergamos  no  war-ship  did  I  launch: 
Anchises'  buried  ghost  from  tomb  I  never  tore  away : 
Why  will  his  ears  be  ever  deaf  to  any  word  I  say  ? 

Where  hurrieth  he  ?    O  let  him  give  his  wretched  love  one  gift ; 

Let  him  but  wait  soft  sailing-tide,  when  fair  the  breezes  shift.  430 

No  longer  for  the  wedding  past,  undone,  I  make  my  prayer, 

Nor  that  he  cast  his  lordship  by,  and  promised  Latium  fair. 

For  empty  time,  for  rest  and  stay  of  madness  now  I  ask, 

Till  Fortune  teach  the  overthrown  to  learn  her  weary  task. 

Sister,  I  pray  this  latest  grace ;  O  pity  me  today, 

And  manifold  when  I  am  dead  the  gift  will  I  repay." 

So  prayed  she :  such  unhappy  words  of  weeping  Anna  bears, 

And  bears  again  and  o'er  again  :  but  him  no  weeping  stirs, 

Nor  any  voice  he  hearkeneth  now  may  turn  him  from  his  road : 

God  shut  the  hero's  steadfast  ears ;  fate  in  the  way  abode.  440 

As  when  against  a  mighty  oak,  strong  growth  of  many  a  year, 

On  this  side  and  on  that  the  blasts  of  Alpine  Boreas  bear, 

Contending  which  shall  root  it  up  :  forth  goes  the  roar,  deep  lie 

The  driven  leaves  upon  the  earth  from  shaken  bole  on  high, 

But  fast  it  clingeth  to  the  crag,  and  high  as  goes  its  head 

To  heaven  aloft,  so  deep  adown  to  hell  its  roots  are  spread. 

E'en  so  by  ceaseless  drift  of  words  the  hero  every  wise 

Is  battered,  and  the  heavy  care  deep  in  his  bosom  lies  ; 

Steadfast  the  will  abides  in  him ;  the  tears  fall  down  for  nought. 

Ah,  and  unhappy  Dido  then  the  very  death  besought,  450 

Outworn  by  fate :  the  hollow  heaven  has  grown  a  sight  to  grieve. 
And  for  the  helping  of  her  will,  that  she  the  light  may  leave, 


BOOK    IV.  97 

She  seeth,  when  mid  the  frankincense  her  offering  she  would  lay, 

The  holy  water  blackening  there,  O  horrible  to  say ! 

The  wine  poured  forth  turned  into  blood  all  loathly  as  it  fell. 

Which  sight  to  none,  not  e'en  unto  her  sister,  would  she  tell. 

Moreover,  to  her  first-wed  lord  there  stood  amidst  the  house 

A  marble  shrine,  the  which  she  loved  with  worship  marvellous, 

And  bound  it  was  with  snowy  wool  and  leafage  of  delight ;  459 

Thence  heard  she,  when  the  earth  was  held  in  mirky  hand  of  night, 

Strange  sounds  come  forth,  and  words  as  if  her  husband  called  his  own. 

And  o'er  and  o'er  his  funeral  song  the  screech-owl  wailed  alone, 

And  long  his  lamentable  tale  from  high  aloft  was  rolled. 

And  many  a  saying  furthermore  of  God-loved  seers  of  old 

Fears  her  with  dreadful  memory  :  all  wild  amid  her  dreams 

Cruel  ^Eneas  drives  her  on,  and  evermore  she  seems 

Left  all  alone  ;  and  evermore  a  road  that  never  ends, 

Mateless,  and  seeking  through  the  waste  her  Tyrian  folk,  she  wends. 

As  raving  Pentheus  saw  the  rout  of  that  Well-willing  Folk, 

When  twofold  sun  and  twofold  Thebes  upon  his  eyes  outbroke :  470 

Or  like  as  Agamemnon's  son  is  driven  across  the  stage, 

Fleeing  his  mother's  fiery  hand  that  bears  the  serpent's  rage, 

While  there  the  avenging  Dreadful  Ones  upon  the  threshold  sit. 

But  when  she  gave  the  horror  birth,  and,  grief-worn,  cherished  it, 

And  doomed  her  death,  then  with  herself  she  planned  its  time  and  guise, 

And  to  her  sister  sorrowing  sore  spake  word  in  such  a  wise, 

Covering  her  end  with  cheerful  face  and  calm  and  hopeful  brow : 

"  Kinswoman,  I  have  found  a  way,  (joy  with  thy  sister  now !) 

Whereby  to  bring  him  back  to  me  or  let  me  loose  from  him. 

Adown  beside  the  setting  sun,  hard  on  the  ocean's  rim,  480 

Lies  the  last  world  of  ^Ethiops,  where  Atlas  mightiest  grown 

Upon  his  shoulder  turns  the  pole  with  burning  stars  bestrewn. 

A  priestess  thence  I  met  erewhile,  come  of  Massylian  seed, 

The  warden  of  the  West-maid's  fane,  and  wont  the  worm  to  feed, 


98  THE   ^ENEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

Mingling  for  him  the  honey-juice  with  poppies  bearing  sleep, 

Whereby  she  maketh  shift  on  tree  the  hallowed  bough  to  keep. 

She  by  enchantment  takes  in  hand  to  loose  what  hearts  she  will, 

But  other  ones  at  need  will  she  with  heavy  sorrows  fill ; 

And  she  hath  craft  to  turn  the  stars  and  back  the  waters  beat, 

Call  up  the  ghosts  that  fare  by  night,  make  earth  beneath  thy  feet        490 

Cry  out,  and  ancient  ash-trees  draw  the  mountain-side  adown. 

Dear  heart,  I  swear  upon  the  Gods,  I  swear  on  thee,  mine  own 

And  thy  dear  head,  that  I  am  loth  with  magic  craft  to  play. 

But  privily  amid  the  house  a  bale  for  burning  lay 

'Neath  the  bare  heaven,  and  pile  on  it  the  arms  that  evil  one 

Left  in  the  chamber :  all  he  wore,  the  bridal  bed  whereon 

My  days  were  lost :  for  so  'tis  good  :  the  priestess  showeth  me 

All  tokens  of  the  wicked  man  must  perish  utterly." 

No  more  she  spake,  but  with  the  word  her  face  grew  deadly  white. 
But  Anna  sees  not  how  she  veiled  her  death  with  new-found  rite,          500 
Nor  any  thought  of  such  a  deed  her  heart  encompasseth  ; 
Nor  fears  she  heavier  things  to  come  than  at  Sychaeus'  death. 
Wherefore  she  takes  the  charge  in  hand. 

But  now  the  Queen,  that  bale  being  built  amid  the  inner  house 

'Neath  the  bare  heavens,  piled  high  with  fir  and  cloven  oak  enow, 

Hangeth  the  garlands  round  the  place,  and  crowns  the  bale  with  bough 

That  dead  men  use :  the  weed  he  wore,  his  very  effigy, 

His  sword,  she  lays  upon  the  bed,  well  knowing  what  shall  be. 

There  stand  the  altars,  there  the  maid,  wild  with  her  scattered  hair, 

Calls  Chaos,  Erebus,  and  those  three  hundred  godheads  there,  510 

And  Hecate  triply  fashioned  to  maiden  Dian's  look  ; 

Water  she  scattered,  would-be  wave  of  dark  Avernus'  brook ; 

And  herbs  she  brought,  by  brazen  shears  'neath  moonlight  harvested, 

All  downy-young,  though  inky  milk  of  venomed  ill  they  shed. 

She  brings  the  love-charm  snatched  away  from  brow  of  new-born  foal 


BOOK  IV.  99 

Ere  yet  the  mother  snatcheth  it 

Dido  herself  the  altars  nigh,  meal  in  her  hallowed  hands, 

With  one  foot  of  its  bindings  bare,  and  ungirt  raiment  stands, 

And  dying  calls  upon  the  Gods,  and  stars  that  fateful  fare  ; 

And  then  if  any  godhead  is,  mindful  and  just  to  care  520 

For  unloved  lovers,  unto  that  she  sendeth  up  the  prayer. 

Now  night  it  was,  and  every  thing  on  earth  had  won  the  grace 

Of  quiet  sleep :  the  woods  had  rest,  the  wildered  waters'  face : 

It  was  the  tide  when  stars  roll  on  amid  their  courses  due, 

And  all  the  tilth  is  hushed,  and  beasts,  and  birds  of  many  a  hue ; 

And  all  that  is  in  waters  wide,  and  what  the  waste  doth  keep 

In  thicket  rough,  amid  the  hush  of  night-tide  lay  asleep, 

And  slipping  off  the  load  of  care  forgat  their  toilsome  part. 

But  ne'er  might  that  Phoenician  Queen,  that  most  unhappy  heart, 

Sink  into  sleep,  or  take  the  night  unto  her  eyes  and  breast :  530 

Her  sorrows  grow,  and  love  again  swells  up  with  all  unrest, 

And  ever  midst  her  troubled  wrath  rolls  on  a  mighty  tide ; 

And  thus  she  broods  and  turns  it  o'er  and  o'er  on  every  side. 

"  Ah,  whither  now  ?     Shall  I  bemocked  my  early  lovers  try, 

And  go  Numidian  wedlock  now  on  bended  knee  to  buy : 

I,  who  so  often  scorned  to  take  their  bridal-bearing  hands  ? 

Or  shall  I,  following  Ilian  ships,  bear  uttermost  commands 

Of  Teucrian  men,  because  my  help  their  lightened  hearts  makes  kind ; 

Because  the  thank  for  deed  I  did  lies  ever  on  their  mind  ? 

But  if  I  would,  who  giveth  leave,  or  takes  on  scornful  keel  540 

The  hated  thing  ?     Thou  knowest  not,  lost  wretch,  thou  may'st  not  feel, 

What  treason  of  Laomedon  that  folk  for  ever  bears. 

What  then  ?  and  shall  I  follow  lone  the  joyous  mariners  ? 

Or,  hedged  with  all  my  Tynan  host,  upon  them  shall  I  bear, 

Driving  again  across  the  sea  those  whom  I  scarce  might  tear 

From  Sidon's  city,  forcing  them  to  spread  their  sails  abroad  ? 


xoo  THE  ^ENEIDS  OF  VIRGIL. 

Nay,  stay  thy  grief  with  steel,  and  die,  and  reap  thy  due  reward ! 

Thou,  sister,  conquered  by  my  tears,  wert  first  this  bane  to  lay 

On  my  mad  soul,  and  cast  my  heart  in  that  destroyer's  way. 

Why  was  I  not  allowed  to  live  without  the  bridal  bed,  550 

Sackless  and  free  as  beasts  afield,  with  no  woes  wearied  ? 

Why  kept  I  not  the  faith  of  old  to  my  Sychseus  sworn  ?  " 

Such  wailing  of  unhappy  words  from  out  her  breast  was  torn. 

^Eneas  on  the  lofty  deck  meanwhile,  assured  of  flight, 

Was  winning  sleep,  since  every  need  of  his  was  duly  dight ; 

When  lo !  amid  the  dreams  of  sleep  that  shape  of  God  come  back, 

Seemed  once  again  to  warn  him  thus  :  nor  yet  the  face  did  lack 

Nor  any  thing  of  Mercury ;  both  voice  and  hue  was  there, 

And  loveliness  of  youthful  limbs  and  length  of  yellow  hair :  559 

"  O  Goddess-born,  and  canst  thou  sleep  through  such  a  tide  as  this  ? 

And  seest  thou  not  how  round  about  the  peril  gathered  is  ? 

And,  witless,  hear'st  not  Zephyr  blow  with  gentle,  happy  wind  ? 

For  treason  now  and  dreadful  deed  she  turneth  in  her  mind, 

Assured  of  death ;  and  diversely  the  tide  of  wrath  sets  in. 

Why  fleest  thou  not  in  haste  away,  while  haste  is  yet  to  win  ? 

Thou  shall  behold  the  sea  beat  up  with  oar-blade,  and  the  brand 

Gleam  dire  against  thee,  and  one  flame  shall  run  adown  the  strand, 

If  thee  tomorrow's  dawn  shall  take  still  lingering  on  this  shore. 

Up !  tarry  not  1  for  woman's  heart  is  shifting  evermore." 

So  saying,  amid  the  mirk  of  night  he  mingled  and  was  lost  570 

And  therewithal  ^Eneas,  feared  by  sudden-flitting  ghost, 
Snatching  his  body  forth  from  sleep,  stirs  up  his  folk  at  need : 
"  Wake  ye,  and  hurry  now,  O  men  !  get  to  the  thwarts  with  speed, 
And  bustle  to  unfurl  the  sails  !  here  sent  from  heaven  again 
A  God  hath  spurred  us  on  to  flight,  and  biddeth  hew  atwain 
The  hempen  twine.     O  holy  God,  we  follow  on  thy  way, 
Whatso  thou  art ;  and  glad  once  more  thy  bidding  we  obey. 


BOOK  IV.  lox 

O  be  with  us  !  give  gracious  aid ;  set  stars  the  heaven  about 
To  bless  our  ways ! " 

And  from  the  sheath  his  lightning  sword  flew  out 

E'en  as  he  spake  :  with  naked  blade  he  smote  the  hawser  through,      580 
And  all  are  kindled  at  his  flame  ;  they  hurry  and  they  do. 
The  shore  is  left,  with  crowd  of  keels  the  sight  of  sea  is  dim  ; 
Eager  they  whirl  the  spray  aloft,  as  o'er  the  blue  they  skim. 

And  now  Aurora  left  alone  Tithonus'  saffron  bed, 

And  first  light  of  another  day  across  the  world  she  shed. 

But  when  the  Queen  from  tower  aloft  beheld  the  dawn  grow  white,. 

And  saw  the  ships  upon  their  way  with  fair  sails  trimmed  aright,. 

And  all  the  haven  shipless  left,  and  reach  of  empty  strand, 

Then  thrice  and  o'er  again  she  smote  her  fair  breast  with  her  hand, 

And  rent  her  yellow  hair,  and  cried,  "  Ah,  Jove  !  and  is  he  gone  ?        590: 

And  shall  a  very  stranger  mock  the  lordship  I  have  won  ? 

Why  arm  they  not?    Why  gather  not  from  all  the  town  in  chase  ? 

Ho  ye  !  why  run  ye  not  the  ships  down  from  their  standing-place  ? 

Quick,  bring  the  fire  !  shake  out  the  sails !  hard  on  the  oars  to  sea ! 

— What  words  are  these,  or  where  am  I  ?    What  madness  changeth  me? 

Unhappy  Dido  !  now  at  last  thine  evil  deed  strikes  home. 

Ah,  better  when  thou  mad'st  him  lord — lo  whereunto  are  come 

His  faith  and  troth  who  erst,  they  say,  his  country's  house-gods  held 

The  while  he  took  upon  his  back  his  father  spent  with  eld  ?  599 

Why!  might  I  not  have  shred  him  up,  and  scattered  him  piecemeal 

About  the  sea,  and  slain  his  friends,  his  very  son,  with  steel,, 

Ascanius  on  his  father's  board  for  dainty  meat  to  lay  ? 

But  doubtful,  say  ye,  were  the  fate  of  battle  ?    Yea,  O  yea>! 

What  might  I  fear,  who  was  to  die  ?  —  if  I  had  borne  the  fire 

Among  their  camp,  and  filled  his  decks  with  flame,  and  son  and  sire 

Quenched  with  their  whole  folk,  and  myself  had  cast  upon  it  all  1 

—  O  Sun,  whose  flames  on  every  deed  earth  doeth  ever  fall, 

O  Juno,  setter-forth  and  seer  of  these  our  many  woes, 


loz  THE  ^ENEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

Hecate,  whose  name  howled  out  a-nights  o'er  city  crossway  goes, 
Avenging  Dread  Ones,  Gods  that  guard  Elissa  perishing,  610 

O  hearken  !  turn  your  might  most  meet  against  the  evil  thing ! 

0  hearken  these  our  prayers  !  and  if  the  doom  must  surely  stand, 
And  he,  the  wicked  head,  must  gain  the  port  and  swim  aland, 

If  Jove  demands  such  fixed  fate  and  every  change  doth  bar, 

Yet  let  him  faint  mid  weapon-strife  and  hardy  folk  of  war ! 

And  let  him,  exiled  from  his  house,  torn  from  lulus,  wend, 

Beseeching  help  mid  wretched  death  of  many  and  many  a  friend. 

And  when  at  last  he  yieldeth  him  to  pact  of  grinding  peace, 

Then  short-lived  let  his  lordship  be,  and  loved  life's  increase. 

And  let  him  fall  before  his  day,  unburied  on  the  shore  !  620 

Lo  this  I  pray,  this  last  of  words  forth  with  my  blood  I  pour. 

And  ye,  O  Tyrians,  'gainst  his  race  that  is,  and  is  to  be, 

Feed  full  your  hate !    When  I  am  dead  send  down  this  gift  to  me : 

No  love  betwixt  the  peoples  twain,  no  troth  for  any  thing  ! 

And  thou,  Avenger  of  my  wrongs,  from  my  dead  bones  outspring, 

To  bear  the  fire  and  the  sword  o'er  Dardan-peopled  earth 

Now  or  hereafter ;  whensoe'er  the  day  brings  might  to  birth. 

1  pray  the  shore  against  the  shore,  the  sea  against  the  sea, 

The  sword  'gainst  sword  —  fight  ye  that  are,  and  ye  that  are  to  be  ! " 

So  sayeth  she,  and  everywise  she  turns  about  her  mind  630 

How  ending  of  the  loathed  light  she  speediest  now  may  find. 

And  few  words  unto  Barce  spake,  Sychaeus'  nurse  of  yore  ; 

For  the  black  ashes  held  her  own  upon  the  ancient  shore  : 

"  Dear  nurse,  my  sister  Anna  now  bring  hither  to  my  need, 

Ami  bid  her  for  my  sprinkling-tide  the  running  water  speed ; 

And  bid  her  have  the  hosts  with  her,  and  due  atoning  things : 

So  let  her  come ;  but  thou,  thine  head  bind  with  the  holy  strings ; 

For  I  am  minded  now  to  end  what  I  have  set  afoot, 

And  worship  duly  Stygian  Jove  and  all  my  cares  uproot ; 

Setting  the  flame  beneath  the  bale  of  that  Dardanian  head."  640 


BOOK  IV.  103 

She  spake ;  with  hurrying  of  eld  the  nurse  her  footsteps  sped. 

But  Dido,  trembling,  wild  at  heart  with  her  most  dread  intent, 

Rolling  her  blood-shot  eyes  about,  her  quivering  cheeks  besprent 

With  burning  flecks,  and  otherwhere  dead  white  with  death  drawn  nigh, 

Burst  through  the  inner  doorways  there  and  clomb  the  bale  on  high, 

Fulfilled  with  utter  madness  now,  and  bared  the  Dardan  blade, 

Gift  given  not  for  such  a  work,  for  no  such  ending  made. 

There,  when  upon  the  Ilian  gear  her  eyen  had  been  set, 

And  bed  well  known,  'twixt  tears  and  thoughts  awhile  she  lingered  yet ; 

Then  brooding  low  upon  the  bed  her  latest  word  she  spake :  650 

"  O  raiment  dear  to  me  while  Gods  and  fate  allowed,  now  take 

This  soul  of  mine  and  let  me  loose  from  all  my  woes  at  last ! 

I,  I  have  lived,  and  down  the  way  fate  showed  to  me  have  passed ; 

And  now  a  mighty  shade  of  me  shall  go  beneath  the  earth ! 

A  glorious  city  have  I  raised,  and  brought  my  walls  to  birth, 

Avenged  my  husband,  made  my  foe,  my  brother,  pay  the  pain  : 

Happy,  ah,  happy  overmuch  were  all  my  life-days'  gain, 

If  never  those  Dardanian  keels  had  drawn  our  shores  anigh." 

She  spake :  her  lips  lay  on  the  bed :  "  Ah,  unavenged  to  die ! 

But  let  me  die  !     Thus,  thus  'tis  good  to  go  into  the  night !  660 

Now  let  the  cruel  Dardan  eyes  drink  in  the  bale-fire's  light, 

And  bear  for  sign  across  the  sea  this  token  of  my  death." 

Her  speech  had  end :  but  on  the  steel,  amid  the  last  word's  breath, 
They  see  her  fallen  ;  along  the  blade  they  see  her  blood  foam  out, 
And  all  her  hands  besprent  therewith :  wild  fly  the  shrieks  about 
The  lofty  halls,  and  Rumour  runs  mad  through  the  smitten  town. 
The  houses  sound  with  women's  wails  and  lamentable  groan ; 
The  mighty  clamour  of  their  grief  rings  through  the  upper  skies. 
'Twas  e'en  as  if  all  Carthage  fell  mid  flood  of  enemies, 
Or  mighty  Tyre  of  ancient  days,  —  as  if  the  wildfire  ran  670 


104  THE  ^ENEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

Rolling  about  the  roof  of  God  and  dwelling-place  of  man. 

Half  dead  her  sister  heard,  and  rushed  distraught  and  trembling  there, 

With  nail  and  fist  befouling  all  her  face  and  bosom  fair : 

She  thrust  amidst  them,  and  by  name  called  on  the  dying  Queen : 

"O  was  it  this  my  sister,  then  !  guile  in  thy  word  hath  been  ! 

And  this  was  what  the  bale,  the  fire,  the  altars  wrought  for  me ! 

Where  shall  I  turn  so  left  alone  ?    Ah,  scorned  was  I  to  be 

For  death-fellow  !  thou  shouldst  have  called  me  too  thy  way  to  wend. 

One  sword-pang  should  have  been  for  both,  one  hour  to  make  an  end. 

Built  I  with  hands,  on  Father-Gods  with  crying  did  I  cry  680 

To  be  away,  a  cruel  heart,  from  thee  laid  down  to  die  ? 

O  sister,  me  and  thee,  thy  folk,  the  fathers  of  the  land, 

Thy  city  hast  thou  slain O  give,  give  water  to  my  hand, 

And  let  me  wash  the  wound,  and  if  some  last  breath  linger  there, 
Let  my  mouth  catch  it ! " 

Saying  so  she  reached  the  topmost  stair, 
And  to  her  breast  the  dying  one  she  fondled,  groaning  sore, 
And  with  her  raiments  strove  to  staunch  the  black  and  flowing  gore. 
Then  Dido  strove  her  heavy  lids  to  lift,  but  back  again 
They  sank,  and  deep  within  her  breast  whispered  the  deadly  bane : 
Three  times  on  elbow  struggling  up  a  little  did  she  rise,  690 

And  thrice  fell  back  upon  the  bed,  and  sought  with  wandering  eyes 
The  light  of  heaven  aloft,  and  moaned  when  it  was  found  at  last. 

Then  on  her  long-drawn  agony  did  Juno  pity  cast, 

Her  hard  departing ;  Iris  then  she  sent  from  heaven  on  high, 

And  bade  her  from  the  knitted  limbs  the  struggling  soul  untie. 

For  since  by  fate  she  perished  not,  nor  waited  death-doom  given, 

But  hapless  died  before  her  day  by  sudden  fury  driven, 

Not  yet  the  tress  of  yellow  hair  had  Proserpine  off-shred, 

Nor  unto  Stygian  Orcus  yet  had  doomed  her  wandering  head. 

So  Iris  ran  adown  the  sky  on  wings  of  saffron  dew,  700 


BOOK  IV.  105 

And  colours  shifting  thousand-fold  against  the  sun  she  drew, 
And  overhead  she  hung :  "  So  bid,  from  off  thee  this  I  bear, 
Hallowed  to  Dis,  and  charge  thee  now  from  out  thy  body  fare." 

She  spake  and  sheared  the  tress  away ;  then  failed  the  life-heat  spent, 
And  forth  away  upon  the  wind  the  spirit  of  her  went 


BOOK     V. 


ARGUMENT. 

AENEAS  MAKING  FOR  ITALY  IS  STAYED  BY  CONTRARY  WINDS  j  WHEREFORE 
HE  SAILETH  TO  SICILY,  AND,  COMING  TO  THE  TOMB  OF  HIS  FATHER 
ANCHISES,  HOLDETH  SOLEMN  GAMES  THEREAT,  AND  IN  THE  END 
GOETH  HIS  WAY  TO  ITALY  AGAIN. 

"\ /T  EANWHILE  ^Eneas  with  his  ships  the  mid-sea  way  did  hold 
•***•*-     Steadfast,  and  cut  the  dusky  waves  before  the  north  wind  rolled, 
Still  looking  back  upon  the  walls  now  litten  by  the  flame 
Of  hapless  Dido :  though  indeed  whence  so  great  burning  came 
They  knew  not ;  but  the  thought  of  grief  that  comes  of  love  defiled 
How  great  it  is,  what  deed  may  come  of  woman  waxen  wild, 
Through  woeful  boding  of  the  sooth  the  Teucrians'  bosoms  bore. 

But  when  the  ships  the  main  sea  held,  nor  had  they  any  more 

The  land  in  sight,  but  sea  around  and  sky  around  was  spread, 

A  coal-blue  cloud  drew  up  to  them,  that  hanging  overhead  ic 

Bore  night  and  storm  ;  feared  'neath  the  dark  the  waters  trembling  lie. 

Then  called  the  helmsman  Palinure  from  lofty  deck  on  high  : 

"  Ah,  wherefore  doth  such  cloud  of  storm  gird  all  the  heavens  about  ? 

What  will  ye,  Father  Neptune,  now  ? " 

Therewith  he  crieth  out 

To  gather  all  the  tackling  in,  and  hard  on  oars  to  lay, 
And  slopeth  sail  across  the  wind  \  and  so  such  word  doth  say : 
"  Great-souled  ^Eneas,  e'en  if  Jove  my  borrow  now  should  be, 
'Neath  such  a  sky  I  might  not  hope  to  make  our  Italy  : 


BOOK  V.  107 

The  changed  winds  roar  athwart  our  course,  and  from  the  west  grown  black 
They  rise  ;  while  o'er  the  face  of  heaven  gathers  the  cloudy  rack.  20 

Nor  have  we  might  to  draw  a-head,  nor  e'en  to  hold  our  own. 
Wherefore  since  Fortune  hath  prevailed,  by  way  that  she  hath  shown, 
Whither  she  calleth,  let  us  turn  :  methinks  the  way  but  short 
To  brother-land  of  Eryx  leal  and  safe  Sicanian  port, 
If  I  may  read  the  stars  aright  that  erst  I  bare  in  mind." 

Quoth  good  ^Eneas :  "  Now  for  long  that  suchwise  would  the  wind 

I  saw,  and  how  thou  heldest  head  against  it  all  in  vain : 

Shift  sail  and  go  about ;  what  land  may  sweeter  be  to  gain, 

Or  whither  would  I  liefer  turn  my  keels  from  beat  of  sea, 

Than  that  which  yet  the  Dardan  lord  Acestes  holds  for  me,  30 

That  holds  my  very  father's  bones,  Anchises,  in  its  breast  ? " 

They  seek  the  haven  therewithal,  and  fair  and  happy  west 

Swelleth  the  sails :  o'er  whirl  of  waves  full  speedily  they  wend, 

And  glad  to  that  familiar  sand  they  turn  them  in  the  end : 

But  there  Acestes  meeteth  them,  who  from  a  mountain  high 

All  wondering  had  seen  afar  the  friendly  ships  draw  nigh. 

With  darts  he  bristled,  and  was  clad  in  fell  of  Libyan  bear. 

Him  erst  unto  Crimisus'  flood  a  Trojan  mother  fair 

Brought  forth :  and  now,  forgetting  nought  his  mother's  folk  of  old, 

He  welcomes  them  come  back  again  with  wealth  of  field  and  fold.        40 

And  solaces  the  weary  men  with  plenteous  friendly  cheer. 

But  when  the  stars  in  first  of  dawn  fled  from  the  morrow  clear, 
>£neas  called  upon  the  shore  assembly  of  his  folk, 
And  standing  high  aloft  on  mound  such  words  to  tell  he  spoke  : 
"  O  mighty  Dardan  men,  O  folk  from  blood  of  Godhead  born, 
The  yearly  round  is  all  fulfilled,  with  lapse  of  months  outworn, 
Since  when  my  godlike  father's  husk  and  bones  of  him  we  laid 
Amid  the  mould,  and  heavy  sad  the  hallowed  altars  made : 


io8  THE  ^ENEIDS  OF  VIRGIL. 

And  now  meseems  the  day  is  here,  for  evermore  to  me 

A  bitter  day,  a  worshipped  day.  —  So  God  would  have  it  be  !  50 

Yea  should  it  find  me  outcast  man  on  great  Getulia's  sand, 

Or  take  me  in  the  Argive  sea,  or  mid  Mycenae's  land, 

Yet  yearly  vows,  and  pomps  that  come  in  due  recurring  while, 

Still  should  I  pay,  and  gifts  most  meet  upon  the  altar  pile. 

Now  to  my  father's  bones,  indeed,  and  ashes  are  we  brought 

By  chance  ;  yet  not,  meseems,  without  the  Godhead's  will  and  thought 

Are  we  come  here,  to  lie  in  peace  within  a  friendly  bay. 

So  come,  and  let  all  worship  here  the  glory  of  the  day ; 

Pray  we  the  winds,  that  year  by  year  this  worship  may  be  done 

In  temples  dedicate  to  him  within  my  city  won.  60 

Troy-born  Acestes  giveth  you  two  head  of  horned  beasts 

For  every  ship  ;  so  see  ye  bid  the  House-gods  to  your  feasts, 

Both  them  of  Troy  and  them  our  host  Acestes  loveth  here. 

Moreover,  if  the  ninth  dawn  hence  Aurora  shall  uprear 

For  health  of  men,  and  with  her  rays  earth's  coverlit  shall  lift, 

For  Teucrians  will  I  first  set  forth  the  race  for  galleys  swift : 

Then  whosoe'er  is  fleet  of  foot,  or  bold  of  might  and  main, 

Or  with  the  dart  or  eager  shaft  a  better  prize  may  gain, 

Or  whoso  hath  the  heart  to  play  in  fight-glove  of  raw  hide, 

Let  all  be  there,  and  victory's  palm  and  guerdon  due  abide.  70 

Clean  be  all  mouths !  and  gird  with  leaves  the  temple  of  the  head." 

His  mother's  bush  he  did  on  brow  e'en  as  the  word  he  said  ; 

The  like  did  Helymus,  the  like  Acestes  ripe  of  eld, 

The  like  the  boy  Ascanius,  yea,  and  all  that  manner  held. 

Then  from  that  council  to  the  tomb  that  duke  of  men  did  pass ; 

Mid  many  thousands,  he  the  heart  of  all  that  concourse  was. 

There,  worshipping,  on  earth  he  pours  in  such  wise  as  was  good 

Two  cups  of  mere  wine,  two  of  milk,  and  two  of  holy  blood, 

And  scatters  purple  flowers  around ;  and  then  such  words  he  said : 

"  Hail,  holy  father !  hail  once  more!  hail,  ashes  visited  80 


BOOK  V.  109 

Once  more  for  nought !  hail,  father-shade  and  spirit  sweet  in  vain ! 
Forbid  with  me  that  Italy  to  seek,  that  fated  plain, 
With  me  Ausonian  Tiber-flood,  whereso  it  be,  to  seek." 

He  spake :  but  from  the  lowest  mound  a  mighty  serpent  sleek 

Drew  seven  great  circles  o'er  the  earth,  and  glided  sevenfold, 

Passing  in  peace  the  tomb  around,  and  o'er  the  altars  rolled : 

Blue  striped  was  the  back  of  him,  and  all  his  scales  did  glow 

With  glitter  of  fine  flecks  of  gold  ;  e'en  as  the  cloud-hung  bow 

A  thousand  shifting  colours  fair  back  from  the  sun  he  cast 

^Eneas  wondered  at  the  sight ;  but  on  the  serpent  passed,  qo 

And  'twixt  the  bowls  and  smoothed  cups  his  long  array  he  wound, 

Tasting  the  hallowed  things ;  and  so  he  gat  him  underground 

Beneath  the  tomb  again,  and  left  the  altars  pastured  o'er. 

Heartened  hereby,  his  father's  soul  ^Eneas  worshipped  more, 

And,  doubtful,  deemeth  it  to  be  Anchises'  guardian  ghost 

Or  godhead  of  the  place :  so  there  he  slayeth  double  host, 

As  custom  would  \  two  black-backed  steers,  and  e'en  as  many  swine, 

And  calleth  on  his  father's  soul  with  pouring  of  the  wine, 

On  great  Anchises'  glorious  ghost  from  Acheron  set  free. 

From  out  their  plenty  therewithal  his  fellows  joyfully  100 

Give  gifts,  and  load  the  altar-stead,  and  smite  the  steers  adown. 

While  others  serve  the  seething  brass,  and  o'er  the  herbage  strown 

Set  coaly  morsels  'neath  the  spit,  and  roast  the  inner  meat 

And  now  the  looked-for  day  was  come  with  simple  light  and  sweet, 

And  Phaeton's  horses  shining  bright  the  ninth  dawn  in  did  bear. 

Fame  and  the  name  Acestes  had  the  neighbouring  people  stir 

To  fill  the  shore  with  joyful  throng,  ^Eneas'  folk  to  see : 

But  some  were  dight  amid  the  games  their  strife-fellows  to  be. 

There  first  before  the  eyes  of  men  the  gifts  to  come  they  lay 

Amid  the  course ;  as  hallowed  bowls,  and  garlands  of  green  bay,         no 


no  THE  ^ENEIDS  OF  VIRGIL. 

And  palms,  the  prize  of  victory,  weapons,  and  raiment  rolled 

In  purple,  and  a  talent's  weight  of  silver  and  of  gold ; 

Then  blast  of  horn  from  midst  the  mound  the  great  games  halloweth  in : 

Four  ships  from  all  the  fleet  picked  out  will  first  the  race  begin 

With  heavy  oars  ;  well  matched  are  they  for  speed  and  rowers'  tale : 

Hereof  did  Mnestheus'  eager  oars  drive  on  the  speedy  Whale, 

Mnestheus  to  be  of  Italy,  whence  cometh  Memmius'  name. 

The  huge  Chimaera's  mountain  mass  was  Gyas  set  to  tame  ; 

There  on  that  city  of  a  ship  threesome  its  rowing  plies 

The  Dardan  youth ;  the  banks  of  oars  in  threefold  order  rise.  120 

Sergestus  next,  the  name  whereof  the  Sergian  house  yet  bears, 

Is  ferried  by  the  Centaur  great :  last  in  blue  Scylla  steers 

Cloanthus,  whence  the  name  of  thee,  Cluentius,  man  of  Rome 

Far  mid  the  sea  a  rock  there  is,  facing  the  shore-line's  foam, 

Which,  beat  by  overtoppling  waves,  is  drowned  and  hidden  oft, 

What  time  the  stormy  North-west  hides  the  stars  in  heaven  aloft : 

But  otherwhiles  it  lies  in  peace  when  nought  the  sea  doth  move, 

And  riseth  up  a  meadow  fair  that  sunning  sea-gulls  love. 

There  a  green  goal  ^Eneas  raised,  dight  of  a  leafy  oak, 

To  be  a  sign  of  turning  back  to  that  sea-faring  folk,  130 

That  fetching  compass  round  the  same  their  long  course  they  might  turn. 

So  then  by  lot  they  take  their  place :  there  on  the  deck  they  burn 

The  captains,  goodly  from  afar  in  gold  and  purple  show : 

The  other  lads  with  poplar-leaf  have  garlanded  the  brow, 

And  with  the  oil  poured  over  them  their  naked  shoulders  shine. 

They  man  the  thwarts ;  with  hearts  a-stretch  they  hearken  for  the  sign, 

With  arms  a-stretch  upon  the  oars ;  hard  tugs  the  pulse  of  fear 

About  their  bounding  hearts,  hard  strains  the  lust  of  glory  dear. 

But  when  the  clear  horn  gives  the  sound,  forthwith  from  where  they  lie 

They  leap  away ;  the  seamen's  shouts  smite  up  against  the  sky,  140 

The  upturned  waters  froth  about  as  home  the  arms  are  borne : 


BOOK  V.  in 

So  timely  they  the  furrows  cut,  and  all  the  sea  uptorn 

Is  cloven  by  the  sweep  of  oars  and  bows'  three-headed  push. 

—  Nay,  nought  so  swift  in  twi-yoke  race  forth  from  the  barriers  rush 
The  scattered  headlong  chariots  on  to  wear  the  space  of  plain ; 
Nor  eager  so  the  charioteers  shake  waves  along  the  rein 

Above  the  hurrying  yoke,  as  hung  over  the  lash  they  go. 

—  Then  with  the  shouts  and  praise  of  men,  and  hope  cast  to  and  fro, 
Rings  all  the  grove ;  the  cliff-walled  shore  rolleth  great  voice  around, 
And  beating  'gainst  the  mountain-side  the  shattering  shouts  rebound.  150 

Before  the  others  Gyas  flies,  and  first  the  waves  doth  skim 
Betwixt  the  throng  and  roar,  but  hard  Cloanthus  presseth  him ; 
Who,  better  manned,  is  held  aback  by  sluggish  weight  of  pine. 
'Twixt  Whale  and  Centaur  after  these  the  edge  of  strife  is  fine, 
And  hard  they  struggle  each  with  each  to  win  the  foremost  place. 
Now  the  Whale  hath  it ;  beaten  now  is  foregone  in  the  race 
By  the  huge  Centaur ;  head  and  head  now  follow  on  the  two, 
As  the  long  keel  of  either  one  the  salt  sea  furrows  through. 

But  now  they  drew  anigh  the  holm,  the  goal  close  on  them  gave, 

When  Gyas  first  and  conquering  there  amid  the  whirl  of  wave  160 

Unto  the  helmsman  of  his  ship,  Mencetes,  cries  command : 

"  And  why  so  far  unto  the  right  ?  turn  hither  to  this  hand  ! 

Hug  thou  the  shore ;  let  the  blades  graze  the  very  rocks  a-lee. 

Let  others  hold  the  deep  ! " 

No  less  unto  the  wavy  sea 

Mencetes,  fearing  hidden  rocks,  still  turns  away  the  bow. 
Gyas  would  shout  him  back  again :  "  Mencetes,  whither  now  ? 
Steer  for  the  rocks ! " 

And  therewithal,  as  back  his  eyes  he  cast, 
He  sees  Cloanthus  hard  at  heel  and  gaining  on  him  fast ; 
Who,  grazing  on  this  hand  and  that  the  rocks  and  Gyas'  ship, 
Now  suddenly  by  leeward  course  ahead  of  all  doth  slip,  i;c 


ii2  THE  ^ENEIDS  OF  VIRGIL. 

And  leaving  clear  the  goal  behind  hath  open  water's  gain. 
Then  unto  Gyas'  very  bones  deep  burns  the  wrathful  pain ; 
Nor  did  his  cheeks  lack  tears  indeed :  forgetting  honour's  trust, 
Forgetting  all  his  fellows'  weal,  Mencetes  doth  he  thrust 
Headlong  from  off  the  lofty  deck  into  the  sea  adown, 
j  And  takes  the  tiller,  helmsman  now  and  steering-master  grown ; 
He  cheers  his  men,  and  toward  the  shore  the  rudder  wresteth  round. 
Mencetes,  heavy,  hardly  won  up  from  the  ocean's  ground, 
(For  he  was  old,  and  floods  enow  fulfilled  his  dripping  gear,) 
Made  for  the  holm  and  sat  him  down  upon  the  dry  rock  there  :  180 

The  Teucrians  laughed  to  see  him  fall,  and  laughed  to  see  him  swim, 
And  laughed  to  see  him  spue  the  brine  back  from  the  heart  of  him. 

Now  Mnestheus'  and  Sergestus'  hope  began  anew  to  spring, 

That  they  might  out-go  Gyas  yet  amid  his  tarrying : 

Of  whom  Sergestus  draws  ahead  and  nears  the  rocky  holm ; 

But  not  by  all  his  keel  indeed  the  other  did  o'ercome, 

But  by  the  half ;  the  eager  Whale  amidships  held  her  place, 

Where  Mnestheus  midst  the  men  themselves  now  to  and  fro  did  pace, 

Egging  them  on :  "  Now,  now ! "  he  cries  ;  "  up,  up,  on  oar-heft  high ! 

Fellows  of  Hector,  whom  I  chose  when  Troy  last  threw  the  die !          190 

Now  put  ye  forth  your  ancient  heart,  put  forth  the  might  of  yore, 

Wherewith  amid  Getulian  sand,  Ionian  sea  ye  bore  ; 

The  heart  and  might  ye  had  amidst  Malea's  following  wave ! 

I,  Mnestheus,  seek  not  victory  now,  nor  foremost  place  to  save. 

—  Yet,  O  my  heart !  but  let  them  win  to  whom  thou  giv'st  the  crown, 

O  Neptune  !  —  but  the  shameful  last !    O  townsmen,  beat  it  down, 

And  ban  such  horror ! " 

Hard  on  oars  they  lie  mid  utter  throes, 

And  quivereth  all  the  brazen  ship  beneath  their  mighty  blows ; 
The  sea's  floor  slippeth  under  them ;  the  ceaseless  pantings  shake       199 
Their  limbs  and  parched  mouths,  and  still  the  sweat-streams  never  slake 
But  very  chance  those  strivers  gave  the  prize  they  struggled  for, 


BOOK  V.  113 

Since  now  Sergestus,  hot  at  heart,  while  to  the  stony  shore 

He  clingeth  innerward,  is  come  into  the  treacherous  strait, 

And  hapless  driveth  on  the  rocks  thrust  forth  for  such  a  fate : 

The  cliffs  are  shaken  and  the  oars  against  the  flinty  spikes 

Snap  crashing,  and  the  prow  thrust  up  yet  hangeth  where  it  strikes : 

Up  start  the  seafarers,  and  raise  great  hubbub  tarrying ; 

Then  sprits  all  iron-shod  and  poles  sharp-ended  forth  they  bring 

To  bear  her  off,  and  gather  oars  a-floating  in  the  wash. 

But  Mnestheus,  whetted  by  his  luck,  joyful,  with  hurrying  dash  210 

Of  timely-beating  oars,  speeds  forth,  and  praying  breezes  on, 
O'er  waters'  slope  adown  the  sea's  all  open  way  doth  run  : 

—  E'en  as  a  pigeon  in  a  cave  stirred  suddenly  from  rest, 
Who  in  the  shady  pumice-rock  hath  house  and  happy  nest ; 
Scared  'neath  the  roof  she  beateth  forth  with  mighty  flap  of  wings, 
And  flieth,  borne  adown  the  fields,  till  in  soft  air  she  swings, 
And  floateth  on  the  flowing  way,  nor  scarce  a  wing  doth  move  : 

—  So  Mnestheus,  so  the  Whale  herself,  the  latter  waters  clove, 
So  with  the  way  erst  made  on  her  she  flew  on  swift  and  soft ; 

And  first  Sergestus  doth  she  leave  stayed  on  the  rock  aloft,  220 

Striving  in  shallows'  tanglement,  calling  for  help  in  vain, 
And  learning  with  his  broken  oars  a  little  way  to  gain. 
Then  Gyas  and  Chimasra's  bulk  he  holdeth  hard  in  chase, 
Who,  from  her  lack  of  helmsman  lost,  must  presently  give  place. 
And  now  at  very  end  of  all  Cloanthus  is  the  last 
With  whom  to  deal :  his  most  he  strives,  and  presseth  on  him  fast 
Then  verily  shout  thrusts  on  shout,  and  all  with  all  good-will 
Cry  on  the  chase  ;  their  echoing  noise  the  very  lift  doth  fill. 
These,  thinking  shame  of  letting  fall  their  hardly-gotten  gain 
Of  glory's  meed,  to  buy  the  praise  with  very  life  are  fain  ;  230 

Those,  fed  on  good-hap,  all  things  may,  because  they  deem  they  may : 
The  twain,  perchance,  head  laid  to  head,  had  won  the  prize  that  day, 
But  if  Cloanthus  both  his  palms  had  stretched  to  seaward  there, 

8 


ii4  THE  ^ENEIDS  OF  VIRGIL. 

And  called  upon  the  Gods  to  aid  and  poured  forth  eager  prayer : 

"  O  Gods,  whose  lordship  is  the  sea,  whose  waters  I  run  o'er, 
Now  glad  will  I,  your  debtor  bound,  by  altars  on  the  shore 
Bring  forth  for  you  a  snow-white  bull,  and  cast  amid  the  brine 
His  inner  meat,  and  pour  abroad  a  flowing  of  fair  wine." 

He  spake,  and  all  the  Nereids'  choir  hearkened  the  words  he  said 
Down  'neath  the  waves,  and  Phorcus'  folk,  and  Panopea  the  maid ;      240 
Yea,  and  the  sire  Portunus  thrust  the  keel  with  mighty  hand 
Upon  its  way,  and  arrow-swift  it  flew  on  toward  the  land, 
Swift  as  the  South,  and  there  at  rest  in  haven  deep  it  lies. 

But  now  Anchises'  seed,  all  men  being  summoned  in  due  wise, 

Proclaims  Cloanthus  victor  there  by  loud-voiced  herald's  shout, 

And  with  green  garland  of  the  bay  he  does  his  brows  about ; 

Then  biddeth  them  to  choose  the  gifts,  for  every  ship  three  steers, 

And  wine,  and  every  crew  therewith  great  weight  of  silver  bears. 

And  glorious  gifts  he  adds  withal  to  every  duke  of  man : 

A  gold-wrought  cloak  the  victor  hath,  about  whose  rim  there  ran          250 

A  plenteous  double  wavy  stream  of  Meliboean  shell, 

And  leafy  Ida's  kingly  boy  thereon  was  pictured  well. 

A-following  up  the  fleeing  hart  with  spear  and  running  fleet ; 

Eager  he  seemed  as  one  who  pants ;  then  him  with  hooked  feet 

Jove's  shield-bearer  hath  caught,  and  up  with  him  from  Ida  flies, 

And  there  the  ancient  masters  stretch  vain  palms  unto  the  skies, 

While  bark  of  staring  hunting-hound  beats  fierce  at  upper  air. 

Then  next  for  him  who  second  place  of  might  and  valour  bare 

A  mail-coat  wove  of  polished  rings  with  threefold  wire  of  gold, 

Which  from  Demoleos  the  King  had  stripped  in  days  of  old,  260 

A  conqueror  then  by  Simois  swift  beneath  high-builded  Troy, 

He  giveth  now  that  lord  to  have  a  safeguard  and  a  joy ; 


BOOK   V.  115 

Its  many  folds  his  serving-men,  Phegeus  and  Sagaris, 

Scarce  bore  on  toiling  shoulders  joined,  yet  clad  in  nought  but  this 

Swift  ran  Demoleos  following  on  the  Trojans  disarrayed. 

A  third  gift  then  he  setteth  forth,  twin  cauldrons  brazen  made, 
And  silver  bowls  with  picturing  fret  and  wrought  with  utter  pain. 

And  now  when  all  had  gotten  gifts,  and  glorying  in  their  gain, 

Were  wending  with  the  filleting  of  purple  round  the  brow, 

Lo,  gotten  from  the  cruel  rock  with  craft  and  toil  enow,  270 

With  missing  oars,  and  all  one  board  unhandy  and  foredone, 

His  ship  inglorious  and  bemocked,  Sergestus  driveth  on. 

—  As  with  an  adder  oft  it  haps  caught  on  the  highway's  crown, 
Aslant  by  brazen  tire  of  wheel,  or  heavy  pebble  thrown 

By  wayfarer,  hath  left  him  torn  and  nigh  unto  his  end : 

Who  writhings  wrought  for  helpless  flight  through  all  his  length  doth  send, 

And  one  half  fierce  with  burning  eyes  uprears  a  hissing  crest, 

The  other  half,  with  wounds  all  halt,  still  holding  back  the  rest ; 

He  knitteth  him  in  many  a  knot  and  on  himself  doth  slip. 

—  E'en  such  the  crawling  of  the  oars  that  drave  the  tarrying  ship.       280 
But  they  hoist  sail  on  her,  and  so  the  harbour-mouth  make  shift 

To  win :  and  there  ^Eneas  gives  Sergestus  promised  gift, 
Blithe  at  his  saving  of  the  ship,  and  fellows  brought  aback  : 
A  maid  he  hath,  who  not  a  whit  of  Pallas'  art  doth  lack. 
Of  Crete  she  is,  and  Pholoe  called,  and  twins  at  breast  she  bears. 

Now  all  that  strife  being  overpast,  the  good  ^Eneas  fares 

To  grassy  meads  girt  all  about  by  hollow-wooded  hills, 

Where  theatre-wise  the  racing-course  the  midmost  valley  fills. 

Thereto  the  hero,  very  heart  of  many  a  thousand  men, 

Now  wendeth,  and  on  seat  high-piled  he  sits  him  down  again.  290 

There  whosoever  may  have  will  to  strive  in  speedy  race 

He  hearteneth  on  with  hope  of  gift,  and  shows  the  prize  and  grace. 


u6  THE  ^ENEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

So  from  all  sides  Sicilians  throng,  and  Trojan  fellowship. 

Euryalus  and  Nisus  first. 

Euryalus  for  goodliness  and  youth's  first  blossom  famed, 

Nisus  for  fair  love  of  the  youth ;  then  after  these  are  named 

Diores,  of  the  blood  of  kings  from  Priam's  glorious  race ; 

Salius  and  Patron  next ;  the  one  of  Acarnanian  place, 

The  other  from  Arcadian  blood  of  Tegeaea  outsprung  : 

Then  two  Trinacrians,  Helymus  and  Panopes  the  young,  3oc 

In  woodcraft  skilled,  who  ever  went  by  old  Acestes'  side ; 

And  many  others  else  there  were  whom  rumour  dimmed  doth  hide. 

And  now  amidmost  of  all  these  suchwise  ^Eneas  spake  : 

"  Now  hearken ;  let  your  merry  hearts  heed  of  my  saying  take : 

No  man  of  all  the  tale  of  you  shall  henceforth  giftless  go ; 

Two  Gnosian  spears  to  each  I  give  with  polished  steel  aglow, 

An  axe  to  carry  in  the  war  with  silver  wrought  therein. 

This  honour  is  for  one  and  all :  the  three  first  prize  shall  win, 

And  round  about  their  heads  shall  do  the  olive  dusky-grey. 

A  noble  horse  with  trappings  dight  the  first  shall  bear  away ;  310 

A  quiver  of  the  Amazons  with  Thracian  arrows  stored 

The  second  hath ;  about  it  goes  a  gold  belt  broidered  broad, 

With  gem-wrought  buckle  delicate  to  clasp  it  at  the  end. 

But  gladdened  with  this  Argive  helm  content  the  third  shall  wend." 

All  said,  they  take  their  places  due,  and  when  the  sign  they  hear, 

Forthwith  they  leave  the  bar  behind  and  o'er  the  course  they  bear, 

Like  drift  of  storm-cloud ;  on  the  goal  all  set  their  eager  eyes : 

But  far  before  all  shapes  of  man  shows  Nisus,  and  outflies 

The  very  whistling  of  the  winds  or  lightning  on  the  wing. 

Then,  though  the  space  be  long  betwixt,  comes  Salius  following ;          320 

And  after  Salius  again  another  space  is  left, 

And  then  Euryalus  is  third ; 

And  after  him  is  Helymus :  but  lo,  how  hard  on  heel 


BOOK  V.  117 

Diores  scuds  !  foot  on  his  foot  doth  Helymus  nigh  feel, 
Shoulder  on  shoulder :  yea,  and  if  the  course  held  longer  out, 
He  would  slip  by  him  and  be  first,  or  leave  the  thing  in  doubt. 

Now,  spent,  unto  the  utmost  reach  and  very  end  of  all 

They  came,  when  in  the  slippery  blood  doth  luckless  Nisus  fall, 

E'en  where  the  ground  was  all  a-slop  with  bullocks  slain  that  day, 

And  all  the  topmost  of  the  grass  be-puddled  with  it  lay  :  3,50 

There,  as  he  went  the  victor  now,  exulting,  failed  his  feet 

From  off  the  earth,  and  forth  he  fell  face  foremost  down  to  meet 

The  midst  of  all  the  filthy  slime  blent  with  the  holy  gore : 

Yet  for  Euryalus  his  love  forgat  he  none  the  more, 

For  rising  from  the  slippery  place  in  Salius'  way  he  thrust, 

Who,  rolling  over,  lay  along  amid  the  thickened  dust. 

Forth  flies  Euryalus,  and  flies  to  fame  and  foremost  place, 

His  own  friend's  gift,  mid  beat  of  hands  and  shouts  that  bear  him  grace  ; 

Next  came  in  Helymus,  and  next  the  palm  Diores  bore. 

But  over  all  the  concourse  set  in  hollow  dale,  and  o'er  340 

The  heads  of  those  first  father-lords  goes  Salius'  clamouring  speech, 

Who  for  his  glory  reft  away  by  guile  doth  still  beseech. 

But  safe  goodwill  and  goodly  tears  Euryalus  do  bear, 

And  lovelier  seemeth  valour  set  in  body  wrought  so  fair. 

Him  too  Diores  backeth  now,  and  crieth  out  on  high, 

Whose  palm  of  praise  and  third-won  place  shall  fail  and  pass  him  by, 

If  the  first  glory  once  again  at  Salius'  bidding  shift. 

Then  sayeth  Father  ^Eneas :  "  O  fellows,  every  gift 

Shall  bide  unmoved  :  the  palm  of  praise  shall  no  man  now  displace. 

Yet  for  my  sackless  friend's  mishap  give  me  some  pity's  grace."  350 

He  spake,  and  unto  Salius  gave  a  mighty  lion's  hide, 
Getulian  born,  with  weight  of  hair  and  golden  claws  beside : 
Then  Nisus  spake :  "  If  such  great  gifts  are  toward  for  beaten  men, 


n8  THE  ^ENEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

And  thou  must  pity  those  that  fall,  what  gift  is  worthy  then 

Of  Nisus  ?     I,  who  should  have  gained  the  very  victory's  crown, 

If  me,  as  Salius,  Fate  my  foe  had  never  overthrown." 

And  even  as  he  speaks  the  word  he  showeth  face  and  limb 

Foul  with  the  mud.     The  kindest  lord,  the  Father,  laughed  on  him, 

And  bade  them  bring  a  buckler  forth,  wrought  of  Didymaon, 

Spoil  of  the  Greeks,  from  Neptune's  house  and  holy  doors  undone ;     360 

And  there  unto  the  noble  youth  he  gives  that  noble  thing. 

But  now,  the  race  all  overpast  and  all  the  gift -giving, 
Quoth  he :  "  If  any  valour  hath,  or  heart  that  may  withstand, 
Let  him  come  forth  to  raise  his  arm  with  hide-begirded  hand." 

So  saying,  for  the  fight  to  come  he  sets  forth  glories  twain ; 

A  steer  gilt-horned  and  garlanded  the  conquering  man  should  gain, 

A  sword  and  noble  helm  should  stay  the  vanquished  in  his  woe. 

No  tarrying  was  there :  Dares  straight  his  face  to  all  doth  show, 

And  riseth  in  his  mighty  strength  amidst  the  murmur  great : 

He  who  alone  of  all  men  erst  with  Paris  held  debate,  370 

And  he  who  at  the  mound  wherein  that  mightiest  Hector  lay, 

Had  smitten  Butes'  body  huge,  the  winner  of  the  day, 

Who  called  him  come  of  Amycus  and  that  Bebrycian  land : 

But  Dares  stretched  him  dying  there  upon  the  yellow  sand. 

Such  was  the  Dares  that  upreared  his  head  against  the  fight, 

And  showed  his  shoulders'  breadth  and  drave  his  fists  to  left  and  right, 

With  arms  cast  forth,  as  heavy  strokes  he  laid  upon  the  air. 

But  when  they  sought  a  man  for  him,  midst  all  the  concourse  there 

Was  none  durst  meet  him :  not  a  hand  the  fighting-glove  would  don  : 

Wherefore,  high-hearted,  deeming  now  the  prize  from  all  was  won,      383 

He  stood  before  ^Eneas'  feet  nor  longer  tarried, 

But  with  his  left  hand'  took  the  steer  about  the  horn  and  said  : 

*  O  Goddess-born,  if  no  man  dares  to  trust  him  in  the  play, 


BOOK  V.  119 

What  end  shall  be  of  standing  here  ;  must  I  abide  all  day? 
Bid  them  bring  forth  the  gifts." 

Therewith  they  cried  out  one  and  all, 
The  Dardan  folk,  to  give  the  gifts  that  due  to  him  did  fall. 
But  with  hard  words  Acestes  now  Entellus  falls  to  chide, 
As  on  the  bank  of  grassy  green  they  sat  there  side  by  side : 
"  EnteUus,  bravest  hero  once  of  all  men,  and  for  nought, 
If  thou  wilt  let  them  bear  away  without  a  battle  fought  390 

Such  gifts  as  these.     And  where  is  he,  thy  master  then,  that  God, 
That  Eryx,  told  of  oft  in  vain  ?  where  is  thy  fame  sown  broad 
Through  all  Trinacria,  where  the  spoils  hung  up  beneath  thy  roof  ? " 

"  Nay,"  said  he,  "  neither  love  of  fame  nor  glory  holds  aloof 

Beaten  by  fear,  but  cold  I  grow  with  eld  that  holdeth  back. 

My  blood  is  dull,  my  might  gone  dry  with  all  my  body's  lack. 

Ah,  had  I  that  which  once  I  had,  that  which  the  rascal  there 

Trusts  in  with  idle  triumphing,  the  days  of  youth  the  dear, 

Then  had  I  come  into  the  fight  by  no  gift-giving  led, 

No  goodly  steer :  nought  heed  I  gifts."  400 

And  with  the  last  word  said, 

His  fighting  gloves  of  fearful  weight  amidst  of  them  he  cast, 
Wherewith  the  eager  Eryx'  hands  amid  the  play  had  passed 
Full  oft ;  with  hardened  hide  of  them  his  arms  he  used  to  bind. 
Men's  hearts  were  mazed ;  such  seven  bull-hides  each  other  in  them  lined, 
So  stiff  they  were  with  lead  sewn  in  and  iron  laid  thereby  j 
And  chief  of  all  was  Dares  mazed,  and  drew  back  utterly. 
But  the  great-souled  Anchises'  seed  that  weight  of  gauntlets  weighed, 
And  here  and  there  he  turned  about  their  mighty  folds  o'erlaid. 
Then  drew  the  elder  from  his  breast  words  that  were  like  to  these : 

"  Ah,  had  ye  seen  the  gloves  that  armed  the  very  Hercules,  410 

And  that  sad  battle  foughten  out  upon  this  country  shore  1 
For  these  are  arms  indeed  that  erst  thy  kinsman  Eryx  bore : 


izo  THE  ^ENEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

Lo,  ye  may  see  them  even  now  flecked  with  the  blood  and  brain. 

With  these  Alcides  he  withstood ;  with  these  I  too  was  fain 

Of  war,  while  mightier  blood  gave  might,  nor  envious  eld  as  yet 

On  either  temple  of  my  head  the  hoary  hairs  had  set. 

But  if  this  Dares  out  of  Troy  refuse  our  weapons  still, 

And  good  ^Eneas  doom  it  so,  and  so  Acestes  will, 

My  fight-lord ;  make  the  weapons  like :  these  gloves  of  Eryx  here 

I  take  aback :  be  not  afraid,  but  doff  thy  Trojan  gear."  420 

He  spake,  and  from  his  back  he  cast  his  twifold  cloak  adown, 

And  naked  his  most  mighty  limbs  and  shoulders  huge  were  shown, 

And  on  the  midmost  of  the  sand  a  giant  there  he  stood. 

Wherewith  Anchises'  seed  brought  forth  gloves  even-matched  and  good, 

And  so  at  last  with  gear  alike  the  arms  of  each  he  bound. 

Then  straightway  each  one  stretched  aloft  on  tip-toe  from  the  ground  : 

They  cast  their  mighty  arms  abroad,  nor  any  fear  they  know, 

The  while  their  lofty  heads  they  draw  abackward  from  the  blow  : 

And  so  they  mingle  hands  with  hands  and  fall  to  wake  the  fight. 

The  one  a-trusting  in  his  youth  and  nimbler  feet  and  light ;  430 

The  other's  bulk  of  all  avail,  but,  trembling,  ever  shrank 

:His  heavy  knees,  and  breathing  short  for  ever  shook  his  flank. 

Full  many  a  stroke  those  mighty  men  cast  each  at  each  in  vain ; 

Thick  fall  they  on  the  hollow  sides ;  the  breasts  ring  out  again 

With  mighty  sound  ;  and  eager-swift  the  hands  full  often  stray 

Round  ears  and  temples ;  crack  the  jaws  beneath  that  heavy  play : 

In  one  set  strain,  not  moving  aught,  heavy  Entellus  stands, 

By  body's  sway  and  watchful  eye  shunning  the  dart  of  hands  : 

But  Dares  is  as  one  who  brings  the  gin  'gainst  high-built  town, 

Or  round  about  some  mountain-hold  the  leaguer  setteth  down :  440 

Now  here  now  there  he  falleth  on,  and  putteth  art  to  pain 

At  every  place,  and  holds  them  straight  with  onset  all  in  vain. 

Entellus,  rising  to  the  work,  his  right  hand  now  doth  show 

Upreared ;  but  he,  the  nimble  one,  foresaw  the  falling  blow 


BOOK  V.  121 

Above  him,  and  his  body  swift  writhed  skew-wise  from  the  fall. 

Entellus  spends  his  stroke  on  air,  and,  overborne  withal, 

A  heavy  thing,  falls  heavily  to  earth,  a  mighty  weight : 

As  whiles  a  hollow-eaten  pine  on  Erymanthus  great, 

Or  mighty  Ida,  rooted  up,  to  earthward  toppling  goes. 

Then  Teucrian  and  Trinacrian  folk  with  wondrous  longing  rose,          450 

And  shouts  went  skyward  :  thither  first  the  King  Acestes  ran, 

And  pitying  his  like-aged  friend  raised  up  the  fallen  man  ; 

Who  neither  slackened  by  his  fall,  nor  smit  by  any  fear, 

Gets  back  the  eagerer  to  the  fight,  for  anger  strength  doth  stir, 

And  shame  and  conscious  valour  lights  his  ancient  power  again. 

In  headlong  flight  his  fiery  wrath  drives  Dares  o'er  the  plain, 

And  whiles  his  right  hand  showereth  strokes,  his  left  hand  raineth  whiles. 

No  tarrying  and  no  rest  there  is ;  as  hail-storm  on  the  tiles 

Rattleth,  so  swift  with  either  hand  the  eager  hero  now 

Beats  on  and  batters  Dares  down,  and  blow  is  laid  on  blow.  460 

But  now  the  Father  ^Eneas  no  longer  might  abide 
Entellus'  bitter  rage  of  soul  or  lengthening  anger's  tide, 
But  laid  an  end  upon  the  fight  therewith,  and  caught  away 
Dares  foredone,  and  soothing  words  in  such  wise  did  he  say : 
"Unhappy  man,  what  madness  then  hath  hold  upon  thine  heart? 
Feel'st  not  another  might  than  man's,  and  Heaven  upon  his  part? 
Yield  to  the  Gods  ! " 

So  'neath  his  word  the  battle  sank  to  peace. 
But  Dares  his  true  fellows  took,  trailing  his  feeble  knees, 
Lolling  his  head  from  side  to  side,  the  while  his  sick  mouth  sent 
The  clotted  blood  from  out  of  it  wherewith  the  teeth  were  blent.          470 
They  lead  him  to  the  ships ;  then,  called,  they  take  the  helm  and  sword, 
But  leave  Entellus'  bull  and  palm,  the  victory's  due  reward ; 
Who,  high  of  heart,  proud  in  the  beast  his  conquering  hand  did  earn, 
"  O  Goddess-born,"  he  said,  "  and  ye,  O  Teucrians,  look,  and  learn 
What  might  was  in  my  body  once,  ere  youth  it  had  to  lack, 


122  THE  ^ENEIDS  OF  VIRGIL. 

And  what  the  death  whence  Dares  saved  e'en  now  ye  draw  aback." 

He  spake,  and  at  the  great  bull's  head  straightway  he  took  his  stand, 
As  there  it  bode  the  prize  of  fight,  and  drawing  back  his  hand 
Rose  to  the  blow,  and  'twixt  the  horns  sent  forth  the  hardened  glove, 
And  back  upon  his  very  brain  the  shattered  skull  he  drove.  480 

Down  fell  the  beast  and  on  the  earth  lay  quivering,  outstretched,  dead, 
While  over  him  from  his  inmost  breast  such  words  Entellus  said : 
"  Eryx,  this  soul,  a  better  thing,  for  Dares  doomed  to  die, 
I  give  thee,  and  victorious  here  my  gloves  and  craft  lay  by." 

Forth  now  JEne&s  biddeth  all  who  have  a  mind  to  strive 

At  speeding  of  the  arrow  swift,  and  gifts  thereto  doth  give, 

And  with  his  mighty  hand  the  mast  from  out  Serestus'  keel 

Uprears ;  and  there  a  fluttering  dove,  mark  for  the  flying  steel, 

Tied  to  a  string  he  hangeth  up  athwart  the  lofty  mast. 

Then  meet  the  men ;  a  brazen  helm  catches  the  lots  down  cast :          490 

And,  as  from  out  their  favouring  folk  ariseth  up  the  shout, 

Hippocoon,  son  of  Hyrtacus,  before  the  rest  leaps  out ; 

Then  Mnestheus,  who  was  victor  erst  in  ship  upon  the  sea, 

Comes  after :  Mnestheus  garlanded  with  olive  greenery. 

The  third-come  was  Eurytion,  thy  brother,  O  renowned, 

O  Pandarus,  who,  bidden  erst  the  peace-troth  to  confound, 

Wert  first  amid  Achaean  host  to  send  a  winged  thing. 

But  last,  at  bottom  of  the  helm,  Acestes'  name  did  cling, 

Who  had  the  heart  to  try  the  toil  amid  the  youthful  rout. 

Then  with  their  strength  of  all  avail  they  bend  the  bows  about  500 

Each  for  himself :  from  quiver  then  the  arrows  forth  they  take : 

And  first  from  off  the  twanging  string  through  heaven  there  went  the  wake 

Of  shaft  of  young  Hyrtacides,  and  clave  the  flowing  air, 

And,  flying  home,  amid  the  mast  that  stood  before  it  there 

It  stuck :  the  mast  shook  therewithal ;  the  frighted,  timorous  bird, 


BOOK  V.  123 

Fluttered  her  wings  ;  and  mighty  praise  all  round  about  was  heard. 

Then  stood  forth  Mnestheus  keen,  and  drew  his  bow  unto  the  head, 

Aiming  aloft ;  and  shaft  and  eyes  alike  therewith  he  sped ; 

But,  worthy  of  all  pitying,  the  very  bird  he  missed, 

But  had  the  hap  to  shear  the  knots  and  lines  of  hempen  twist  510 

Whereby,  all  knitted  to  her  foot,  she  to  the  mast  was  tied : 

But  flying  toward  the  winds  of  heaven  and  mirky  mist  she  hied. 

Then  swift  Eurytion,  who  for  long  had  held  his  arrow  laid 

On  ready  bow-string,  vowed,  and  called  his  brother  unto  aid, 

And  sighted  her  all  joyful  now  amidst  the  void  of  sky, 

And  smote  her  as  she  clapped  her  wings  'neath  the  black  cloud  on  high  : 

Then  dead  she  fell,  and  mid  the  stars  of  heaven  her  life  she  left, 

And,  falling,  brought  the  shaft  aback  whereby  her  heart  was  cleft 

Acestes  now  was  left  alone,  foiled  of  the  victory's  prize. 

No  less  the  father  sent  his  shot  aloft  unto  the  skies,  520 

Fain  to  set  forth  his  archer-craft  and  loud-resounding  bow. 

Then  to  men's  eyes  all  suddenly  a  portent  there  did  show, 

A  mighty  sign  of  things  to  come,  the  ending  showed  how  great 

When  seers,  the  shakers  of  men's  hearts,  sang  over  it  too  late. 

For,  flying  through  the  flowing  clouds,  the  swift  reed  burned  about, 

And  marked  its  road  with  flaming  wake,  and,  eaten  up,  died  out 

Mid  the  thin  air :  as  oft  the  stars  fly  loose  from  heaven's  roof, 

And  run  adown  the  space  of  sky  with  hair  that  flies  aloof. 

Trinacrian  men  and  Teucrian  men,  staring  aghast  they  stood, 

Praying  the  Gods  :  but  mightiest  JEneas  held  for  good  530 

That  tokening,  and  Acestes  takes  as  one  all  glad  at  heart, 

And  loadeth  him  with  many  gifts,  and  suchwise  speaks  his  part : 

"  Take  them,  O  father,  for  indeed  by  such  a  sign  I  wot 
Olympus'  King  will  have  thee  win  all  honour  without  lot 
This  gift  thou  hast,  Anchises'  self,  the  ancient,  had  before, 
A  bowl  all  stamped  with  images,  which  Cisseus  once  of  yore, 


i24  THE  ^NEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

The  Thracian,  to  my  father  gave,  that  he  might  bear  the  same 
A  very  tokening  of  his  love  and  memory  of  his  name." 

So  saying,  a  garland  of  green  bay  he  doth  his  brows  about, 

And  victor  over  all  the  men  Acestes  giveth  out :  540 

Nor  did  the  good  Eruytion  grudge  his  honour  so  preferred, 

Though  he  alone  from  height  of  heaven  had  brought  adown  the  bird  : 

But  he  came  next  in  gift-giving  who  sheared  the  string,  and  last 

Was  he  who  set  his  winged  reed  amidmost  of  the  mast. 

Now  had  ^neas  called  to  him,  ere  yet  the  match  was  done, 

The  child  of  Epytus,  the  guard,  and  fellow  of  his  son, 

Beardless  lulus,  and  so  spake  into  his  faithful  ear : 

"  Go  thou  and  bid  Ascanius  straight,  if  ready  dight  with  gear 

He  hath  that  army  of  the  lads,  and  fair  array  of  steeds, 

To  bring  unto  his  grandsire  now,  himself  in  warlike  weeds,  550 

That  host  of  his." 

The  lord  meanwhile  biddeth  all  folk  begone 

Who  into  the  long  course  had  poured,  and  leave  the  meadow  lone. 
Then  come  the  lads :  in  equal  ranks  before  their  father's  eyes 
They  shine  upon  their  bitted  steeds,  and  wondering  murmurs  rise 
From  men  of  Troy  and  Sicily  as  on  their  ways  they  fare. 
Due  crown  of  well-ordained  leaves  bindeth  their  flowing  hair, 
And  each  a  pair  of  cornel  shafts  with  iron  head  doth  hold  ; 
And  some  the  polished  quiver  bear  at  shoulder  :  limber  gold, 
Ringing  the  neck  with  twisted  stem,  high  on  the  breast  is  shown. 
Three  companies  of  horse  they  are  by  tale,  and  up  and  down  560 

Three  captains  ride,  and  twice  six  lads  each  leadeth  to  the  war  r 
In  bands  of  even  tale  they  shine,  and  like  their  leaders  are. 
Their  first  array  all  glad  at  heart  doth  little  Priam  lead, 
Who  from  his  grandsire  had  his  name,  thy  well-renowned  seed, 
Polites,  fated  to  beget  Italian  folk :  him  bore 
A  Thracian  piebald  flecked  with  white,  whose  feet  were  white  before, 


BOOK  V.  125 

And  white  withal  the  crest  of  him  that  high  aloft  he  flung. 

Next  Atys  came,  from  whence  the  stem  of  Latin  Atii  sprung ; 

Young  Atys,  whom  lulus  young  most  well-beloved  did  call : 

Tulus  last,  in  goodliness  so  far  excelling  all,  570 

Upon  a  horse  of  Sidon  came,  whom  that  bright  Dido  gave 

To  be  a  token  of  her  love,  her  memory  to  save. 

On  horses  of  Acestes  old,  Trinacrian-nurtured  beasts, 

The  others  of  the  youth  are  borne. 

With  praise  they  greet  their  fluttering  hearts  and  look  on  them  with  joy, 

Those  Dardan  folk,  who  see  in  them  the  ancient  eyes  of  Troy. 

But  after  they  had  fared  on  steed  the  concourse  all  about 

Before  the  faces  of  their  folk,  Epytides  did  shout 

The  looked-for  sign  afar  to  them,  and  cracked  withal  his  whip : 

Then  evenly  they  fall  apart,  in  threesome  order  slip  580 

Their  cloven  ranks  ;  but,  called  again,  aback  upon  their  way 

They  turn,  and  threatening  levelled  spears  against  each  other  lay. 

Then  they  to  other  onset  now  and  other  wheeling  take, 

In  bands  opposed,  and  tanglements  of  ring  on  ring  they  make  ; 

So  with  their  weapons  every  show  of  very  fight  they  stir, 

And  now  they  bare  their  backs  in  flight,  and  now  they  turn  the  spear 

In  hostile  wise  ;  now  side  by  side  in  plighted  peace  they  meet. 

—  E'en  as  they  tell  of  Labyrinth  that  lies  in  lofty  Crete, 

A  road  with  blind  walls  crossed  and  crossed,  an  ever-shifting  trap 

Of  thousand  ways,  where  he  who  seeks  upon  no  sign  may  hap,  590 

But  midst  of  error,  blind  to  seize  or  follow  back,  '  tis  gone. 

Not  otherwise  Troy's  little  ones  the  tangle  follow  on 

At  top  of  speed,  and  interweave  the  flight  and  battle's  play ; 

E'en  as  the  dolphins,  swimming  swift  amid  the  watery  way, 

Cleave  Libyan  or  Carpathian  sea  and  sport  upon  the  wave. 

This  guise  of  riding  such-like  play,  his  folk  Ascanius  gave 

Once  more,  when  round  the  Long  White  Stead  the  walls  of  war  he  drew 


126  THE  ^NEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

Withal  the  Ancient  Latin  Folk  he  taught  the  games  to  do, 

Suchwise  as  he  a  lad  had  learned  with  lads  from  Troy  that  came :       599 

That  same  the  Albans  taught  their  sons  ;  most  mighty  Rome  that  same 

Took  to  her  thence,  and  honoured  so  her  sires  of  yore  agone  : 

Now  name  of  Troy  and  Trojan  host  the  play  and  boys  have  won. 

Thus  far  unto  the  Holy  Sire  the  games  were  carried  through, 

When  Fortune  turned  her  faith  at  last  and  changed  her  mind  anew : 

For  while  the  diverse  hallowed  games  about  the  tomb  they  spent, 

Saturnian  Juno  Iris  fair  from  heights  of  heaven  hath  sent 

Unto  the  Ilian  ships,  and  breathed  fair  wind  behind  her  ways, 

For  sore  she  brooded,  nor  had  spent  her  wrath  of  ancient  days. 

So  now  the  Maid  sped  swift  along  her  thousand-coloured  bow, 

And  swiftly  ran  adown  the  path  where  none  beheld  her  go.  610 

And  there  she  saw  that  gathering  great,  and  swept  the  strand  with  eye, 

And  saw  the  haven  void  of  folk,  the  ships  unheeded  lie. 

But  far  away  on  lonely  beach  the  Trojan  women  weep 

The  lost  Anchises ;  and  all  they  look  ever  on  the  deep 

Amid  their  weeping :  "  Woe  are  we !  what  waters  yet  abide  1 

What  ocean-waste  for  weary  folk  !  "     So  one  and  all  they  cried, 

And  all  they  yearn  for  city's  rest :  sea-toil  is  loathsome  grown. 

So  she,  not  lacking  craft  of  guile,  amidst  them  lighted  down, 

When  she  hath  put  away  from  her  God's  raiment  and  God's  mien, 

And  but  as  wife  of  Doryclus,  the  Tmarian  man,  is  seen,  620 

Old  Beroe,  who  once  had  sons  and  lordly  race  and  name  ; 

Amid  the  Dardan  mother-folk  suchwise  the  Goddess  came : 

"  O  wretched  ones ! "  she  said,  "  O  ye  whom  armed  Achaean  hand 
Dragged  not  to  death  before  the  walls  that  stayed  your  fatherland  ! 
Unhappy  folk  !  and  why  hath  Fate  held  back  your  doom  till  now  ? 
The  seventh  year  is  on  the  turn  since  Troy-town's  overthrow ; 
And  we  all  seas  the  while,  all  lands,  all  rocks  and  skies  that  hate 


BOOK  V.  127 

The  name  of  guest,  have  wandered  o'er,  and  through  the  sea  o'ergreat 

Still  chase  that  fleeing  Italy  mid  wallowing  waters  tost 

Lo,  here  is  Eryx'  brotherland ;  Acestes  is  our  host ;  630 

What  banneth  us  to  found  our  walls  and  lawful  cities  gain  ? 

O  Fatherland !  O  House-Gods  snatched  from  midst  the  foe  in  vain  1 

Shall  no  walls  more  be  called  of  Troy  ?     Shall  I  see  never  more 

Xanthus  or  Simois,  like  the  streams  where  Hector  dwelt  of  yore  ? 

Come  on,  and  those  unhappy  ships  burn  up  with  aid  of  me ; 

For  e'en  now  mid  the  dreams  of  sleep  Cassandra  did  I  see, 

Who  gave  me  burning  brand,  and  said,  '  Here  seek  your  Troy  anew : 

This  is  the  house  that  ye  shall  have.'  —  And  now  is  time  to  do ! 

No  tarrying  with  such  tokens  toward !     Lo,  altars  four  are  here 

Of  Neptune :  very  God  for  us  heart  and  the  fire  doth  bear ! "  640 

So  saying,  first  she  caught  upon  the  fiery  bane,  and  raised 

Her  hand  aloft,  and  mightily  she  whirled  it  as  it  blazed 

And  cast  it :  but  the  Ilian  wives,  their  straining  hearts  are  torn, 

Their  souls  bewildered :  one  of  them,  yea,  and  their  eldest-born, 

Pyrgo,  the  queenly  fosterer  of  many  a  Priam's  son, 

Cried  :  "  Mothers,  nay  no  Beroe,  nay  no  Rhceteian  one, 

The  wife  of  Doryclus  is  this  :  lo,  Godhead's  beauty  there ! 

Behold  the  gleaming  of  her  eyes,  note  how  she  breathes  the  air  ; 

Note  ye  her  countenance  and  voice,  the  gait  wherewith  she  goes. 

Yea,  I  myself  left  Beroe  e'en  now  amidst  her  woes  ;  650 

Sick,  sad  at  heart  that  she  alone  must  fail  from  such  a  deed, 

Nor  bear  unto  Anchises'  ghost  his  glory's  righteous  meed." 

Such  were  the  words  she  spake  to  them. 

But  now  those  mothers,  at  the  first  doubtful,  with  evil  eyes 

Gazed  on  the  ships  awhile  between  unhappy  craving  stayed 

For  land  they  stood  on,  and  the  thought  of  land  that  Fortune  bade : 

When  lo !  with  even  spread  of  wings  the  Goddess  rose  to  heaven, 

And  in  her  flight  the  cloudy  lift  with  mighty  bow  was  riven. 


i2S  THE  ^ENEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

Then,  wildered  by  such  tokens  dread,  pricked  on  by  maddened  hearts, 
Shrieking  they  snatch  the  hearthstone's  fire  and  brand  from  inner  parts  ; 
While  some,  they  strip  the  altars  there,  and  flaming  leaf  and  bough     661 
Cast  forth :  and  Vulcan,  let  aloose,  is  swiftly  raging  now 
Along  the  thwarts,  along  the  oars,  and  stems  of  painted  fir. 

But  now  with  news  of  flaming  ships  there  goes  a  messenger, 

Eumelus,  to  Anchises'  tomb,  and  theatre-seats,  and  they 

Look  round  themselves  and  see  the  soot  black  in  the  smoke-cloud  play. 

Then  first  Ascanius,  e'en  as  blithe  the  riding-play  he  led, 

So  eager  now  he  rode  his  ways  to  camp  bewildered, 

And  nowise  might  they  hold  him  back,  his  masters  spent  of  breath. 

"  O  what  new  madness  then  is  this  ?    What,  what  will  ye  ? "  he  saith. 
"  O  wretched  townswomen,  no  foe,  no  camp  of  Argive  men  67 1 

Ye  burn,  but  your  own  hopes  ye  burn.    Lo,  your  Ascanius  then  ! " 

Therewith  before  their  feet  he  cast  his  empty  helm  afar, 

Dight  wherewithal  he  stirred  in  sport  that  image  of  the  war. 

And  thither  now  ^Eneas  sped,  and  crowd  of  Teucrian  folk  ; 

Whereat  the  women  diversely  along  the  sea-shore  broke, 

Fleeing  afeared,  and  steal  to  woods  and  whatso  hollow  den, 

And  loathe  their  deed,  and  loathe  the  light,  as  changed  they  know  again 

Their  very  friends,  and  Juno  now  from  every  heart  is  cast. 

But  none  the  less  the  flaming  rage  for  ever  holdeth  fast  680 

With  might  untamed ;  the  fire  lives  on  within  the  timbers  wet, 

The  caulking  sends  forth  sluggish  smoke,  the  slow  heat  teeth  doth  set 

Upon  the  keel ;  to  inmost  heart  down  creeps  the  fiery  bale  ; 

Nor  all  the  might  of  mighty  men  nor  rivers  poured  avail. 

Then  good  JEneas  from  his  back  the  raiment  off  him  tore, 

And  called  the  Gods  to  aid,  and  high  his  palms  to  heaven  upbore : 


BOOK  V.  129 

"  Great  Jove,  if  not  all  utterly  a  hater  thou  art  grown 

Of  Trojan  folk,  and  if  thy  love  of  old  yet  looketh  down 

On  deeds  of  men,  give  to  our  ships  to  win  from  out  the  flame, 

O  Father,  now,  and  snatch  from  death  the  feeble  Teucrian  name,        690 

Or  else  thrust  down  the  remnant  left,  if  so  we  merit  aught, 

With  bolt  of  death,  and  with  thine  hand  sweep  us  away  to  nought !  " 

Scarce  had  he  given  forth  the  word,  ere  midst  outpouring  rain 
The  black  storm  rageth  measureless,  and  earthly  height  and  plain 
Shake  to  the  thundering;  all  the  sky  casts  forth  confused  flood, 
Most  black  with  gathering  of  the  South :  then  all  the  ship-hulls  stood 
Fulfilled  with  water  of  the  heavens  ;  the  half-burned  oak  was  drenched, 
Until  at  last  to  utmost  spark  the  smouldering  fire  is  quenched, 
And  all  the  ships  escaped  the  bane  of  fiery  end  save  four. 

But,  shaken  by  such  bitter  hap,  Father  ^Eneas  bore  700 

This  way  and  that ;  and  turned  the  cares  on  all  sides  in  his  breast : 
Whether  amid  Sicilian  fields  to  set  him  down  in  rest, 
Forgetting  Fate,  or  yet  to  strive  for  shores  of  Italy. 
Then  the  old  Nautes,  whom  erewhile  had  Pallas  set  on  high 
By  her  exceeding  plenteous  craft  and  lore  that  she  had  taught :  — 
She  gave  him  answers  ;  telling  him  how  wrath  of  God  was  wrought, 
And  how  it  showed,  and  what  the  law  of  Fate  would  ask  and  have :  — 
This  man  unto  ^neas  now  such  words  of  solace  gave  : 
"  O  Goddess-born,  Fate's  ebb  and  flow  still  let  us  follow  on, 
Whate'er  shall  be,  by  bearing  all  must  Fortune's  fight  be  won.  710 

Dardan  Acestes  have  ye  here,  sprung  of  the  Godhead's  seed ; 
Take  his  good-will  and  fellowship  to  help  thee  in  thy  rede. 
Give  him  the  crews  of  those  burnt  ships ;  to  him  let  such-like  go 
As  faint  before  thy  mighty  hope  and  shifting  weal  and  woe. 
The  mothers  weary  of  the  sea,  the  elders  spent  with  years, 
And  whatsoever  feeble  is  and  whatsoever  fears, 
Choose  out,  and  in  this  land  of  his  walls  let  the  weary  frame ; 

9 


130  THE  ^ENEIDS  OF  VIRGIL. 

And  they  their  town  by  leave  of  thee  shall  e'en  Acesta  name." 

So  was  he  kindled  by  the  speech  of  that  wise  ancient  friend, 

Yet  still  down  every  way  of  care  his  thought  he  needs  must  send.         720 

But  now  the  wain  of  mirky  night  was  holding  middle  sky, 
When  lo,  his  father's  image  seemed  to  fall  from  heaven  the  high, 
And  suddenly  Anchises'  lips  such  words  to  him  poured  forth  : 

"  O  son,  that  while  my  life  abode  more  than  my  life  wert  worth  ; 

O  son,  well  learned  in  Ilium's  fates,  hither  my  ways  I  take 

By  Jove's  commands,  who  even  now  the  fiery  bane  did  slake 

Amid  thy  ships,  and  now  at  last  in  heaven  hath  pitied  thee : 

Yield  thou  to  elder  Nautes'  redes ;  exceeding  good  they  be : 

The  very  flower  of  all  thy  folk,  the  hearts  that  hardiest  are, 

Take  thou  to  Italy ;  for  thee  in  Latium  bideth  war  730 

With  hardy  folk  of  nurture  rude  :  but  first  must  thou  be  gone 

To  nether  dwelling-place  of  Dis :  seek  thou  to  meet  me,  son, 

Across  Avernus  deep :  for  me  the  wicked  house  of  hell 

The  dusk  unhappy  holdeth  not ;  in  pleasant  place  I  dwell, 

Elysium,  fellowship  of  good :  there  shall  the  holy  Maid, 

The  Sibyl,  bring  thee ;  plenteous  blood  of  black-wooled  ewes  being  paid : 

There  shalt  thou  learn  of  all  thy  race,  and  gift  of  fated  walls. 

And  now  farewell :  for  dewy  night  from  mid  way -faring  falls, 

The  panting  steeds  of  cruel  dawn  are  on  me  with  their  breath." 

He  spake,  and  midst  thin  air  he  fled  as  smoke- wreath  vanisheth.          740 
"Where  rushest  thou? "  ^Eneas  cried  :  "  where  hurriest  thou  again? 
Whom  fleest  thou  ?  who  driveth  thee  from  these  embraces  fain  ? " 

So  saying,  the  flame  asleep  in  ash  he  busied  him  to  wake, 
And  worshipped  with  the  censer  full  and  holy-kneaded  cake 
The  sacred  Vesta's  shrine  and  God  of  Pergamean  wall. 


BOOK  V.  131 

Then  for  his  fellows  doth  he  send,  Acestes  first  of  all, 

And  teacheth  them  of  Jove's  command,  and  what  his  sire  beloved 

Had  bidden  him,  and  whitherwise  his  heart  thereto  was  moved. 

No  tarrying  there  was  therein,  Acestes  gainsaid  nought ; 

They  write  the  mothers  on  the  roll ;  thither  a  folk  is  brought,  750 

Full  willing  hearts,  who  nothing  crave  the  great  reward  of  fame : 

But  they  themselves  shape  thwarts  anew  ;  and  timbers  gnawed  by  flame 

Make  new  within  their  ships  again,  and  oars  and  rudders  fit. 

A  little  band  it  is  by  tale,  but  valour  lives  in  it. 

Meanwhile  ^Eneas  marketh  out  the  city  with  the  plough, 

And,  portioning  the  houses  out,  bids  Troy  and  Ilium  grow : 

Therewith  Acestes,  Trojan  king,  joys  in  his  lordship  fair ; 

Sets  forth  the  court,  and  giveth  laws  to  fathers  gathered  there : 

Then  on  the  head  of  Eryx  huge  a  house  that  neareth  heaven 

To  Venus  of  Idalia  is  reared :  a  priest  is  given  760 

And  holy  grove  wide  spread  around,  where  old  Anchises  lay. 

Now  all  the  folk  for  nine  days'  space  have  made  them  holyday 

And  worshipped  God;  and  quiet  winds  have  lowly  laid  the  main, 

And  ever  gentle  Southern  breath  woos  to  the  deep  again : 

Then  all  along  the  hollow  shore  ariseth  weeping  great, 

And  'twixt  farewells  and  many  a  kiss  a  night  and  day  they  wait : 

Yea  e'en  the  mothers,  yea  e'en  they  to  whom  so  hard  and  drear 

The  sea  had  seemed,  a  dreadful  name  they  had  no  heart  to  bear, 

Are  fain  to  go,  are  fain  to  take  all  toil  the  way  may  find. 

Whom  good  ^Eneas  solaceth  with  friendly  words  and  kind,  770 

As  to  Acestes'  kindred  heart  weeping  he  giveth  them. 

Three  calves  to  Eryx  then  he  bids  slay  on  the  ocean's  hem  ; 

To  wind  and  weather  and  ewe  lamb ;  then  biddeth  cast  aloose : 

And  he  himself,  begarlanded  with  olive  clipped  close, 

Stands,  cup  in  hand,  on  furthest  prow,  and  casts  upon  the  brine 

The  inner  meat,  and  poureth  forth  the  flowing  of  the  wine. 


i32  THE  ^ENEIDS  OF  VIRGIL. 

They  gather  way  ;  springs  up  astern  the  fair  and  following  breeze ; 
The  fellows  strive  in  smiting  brine  and  sweep  the  level  seas. 

But  meanwhile  Venus,  sorely  stirred  by  cares  and  all  unrest, 

Hath  speech  of  Neptune,  pouring  forth  complaining  from  her  breast : 

"  The  cruel  wrath  that  Juno  bears,  and  heart  insatiate,  781 

Drive  me,  O  Neptune,  prayer-fulfilled  upon  thy  power  to  wait : 

She  softeneth  not  by  lapse  of  days  nor  piety's  increase, 

Nor  yielding  unto  Jove  and  Fate  from  troubling  will  she  cease. 

'Tis  not  enough  to  tear  away  from  heart  of  Phrygian  folk 

Their  city  by  her  cruel  hate  ;  nor  with  all  ills  to  yoke 

Troy's  remnant ;  but  its  ash  and  bones  through  death  she  followeth  on. 

What !  doth  her  own  heart  know  the  deed  that  all  this  wrath  hath  won  ? 

Be  thou  my  witness  how  of  late  she  stirred  up  suddenly 

Wild  tumult  of  the  Libyan  sea  !  all  waters  with  the  sky  790 

She  mingled,  trusting  all  in  vain  to  storm  of  yEolus : 

This  in  thy  very  realm  she  dared. 

E'en  now  mad  hearts  to  Trojan  wives  by  wickedness  she  gave, 

And  foully  burned  his  ships  ;  and  him  with  crippled  ship-host  drave 

To  leave  his  fellow-folk  behind  upon  an  outland  shore. 

I  pray  thee  let  the  remnant  left  sail  safe  thine  ocean  o'er, 

And  let  them  come  where  into  sea  Laurentian  Tiber  falls, 

If  right  I  ask,  and  unto  these  Fate  giveth  fateful  walls." 

Then  Saturn's  son,  the  sea-tamer,  gave  forth  such  words  as  these  : 
" '  Tis  utter  right,  O  Cytherean,  to  trust  thee  to  my  seas,  8oc 

Whence  thou  wert  born  ;  and  I  myself  deserve  no  less ;  e'en  I, 
Who  oft  for  thee  refrain  the  rage  of  maddened  sea  and  sky. 
Nor  less  upon  the  earth  my  care  ^Eneas  did  embrace ; 
Xanthus  and  Simois  witness  it !  —  When,  following  up  the  chase, 
The  all-unheartened  host  of  Troy  '  gainst  Troy  Achilles  bore, 
And  many  a  thousand  gave  to  death  ;  choked  did  the  rivers  roar, 
Nor  any  way  might  Xanthus  find  to  roll  his  flood  to  sea : 
then  in  hollow  cloud  I  caught  away,  when  he 


BOOK  V.  133 

Would  meet  Pelides'  might  with  hands  and  Gods  not  strong  enow. 

Yea,  that  was  when  from  lowest  base  I  wrought  to  overthrow  810 

The  walls  of  that  same  Troy  forsworn  my  very  hands  had  wrought. 

And  now  cast  all  thy  fear  away,  my  mind  hath  shifted  nought ; 

Avernus'  haven  shall  he  reach,  e'en  as  thou  deemest  good, 

And  one  alone  of  all  his  folk  shall  seek  amidst  the  flood ; 

One  head  shall  pay  for  all  the  rest." 

So  when  these  words  had  brought  to  peace  the  Goddess'  joyful  heart, 

The  Father  yokes  his  steeds  with  gold,  and  bridles  the  wild  things 

With  o'er-foamed  bit,  and  loose  in  hand  the  rein  above  them  flings,. 

And  light  in  coal-blue  car  he  flies  o'er  topmost  of  the  sea  : 

The  waves  sink  down,  the  heaped  main  lays  his  waters  peacefully        820. 

Before  the  thunder  of  his  wheels  ;  from  heaven  all  cloud-flecks  fail. 

Lo,  diverse  bodies  of  his  folk  ;  lo,  many  a  mighty  whale ; 

And  Glaucus'  ancient  fellowship,  Palaemon  Ino's  son, 

And  Tritons  swift,  and  all  the  host  that  Phorcus  leadetb  on  ; 

Maid  Panopea  and  Melite,  Cymodoce  the  fair, 

Nesaea,  Spio,  and  Thalia,  with  Thetis  leftward  bear. 

Now  to  ^Eneas'  o'erstrained  heart  the  kindly  joy  and  soft 

Sinks  deep :  herewith  he  biddeth  men  raise  all  the  masts  aloft 

At  swiftest,  and  along  the  yards  to  spread  the  sails  to  wind : 

So  all  sheet  home  together  then  ;  then  leftward  with  one  mind  830 

They  tack  ;  then  tack  again  to  right :  the  yard-horns  up  in,  air 

They  shift  and  shift,  while  kindly  winds  seaward  the  ship*host  bear. 

But  first  before  all  other  keels  did  Palinurus  lead 

The  close  array,  and  all  were  charged  to  have  his  course  in  heed. 

And  now  the  midmost  place  of  heaven  had  dewy  night  drawn  nigh, 

And  'neath  the  oars  on  benches  hard  scattered  the  shipmen  lie, 

Who  all  the  loosened  limbs  of  them  to  gentle  rest  had  given ; 

When  lo,  the  very  light-winged  Sleep  stooped  from  the  stars  of  heaven, 

Thrusting  aside  the  dusky  air  and  cleaving  night  atwain : 

The  sackless  Palinure  he  sought  with  evil  dreams  and  vain.  840 


134  THE  ^ENEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

So  on  the  high  poop  sat  the  God  as  Phorbas  fashioned, 
And  as  he  sat  such-like  discourse  from  out  his  mouth  he  shed : 
"  lasian  Palinure,  unasked  the  waves  our  ship-host  bear ; 
Soft  blow  the  breezes  steadily  ;  the  hour  for  rest  is  here : 
Lay  down  thine  head,  steal  weary  eyes  from  toil  a  little  space, 
And  I  will  do  thy  deeds  awhile  and  hold  me  in  thy  place." 

But  Palinure  with  scarce-raised  eyes  e'en  such  an  answer  gave : 

"  To  gentle  countenance  of  sea  and  quiet  of  the  wave 

Deem'st  thou  me  dull  ?  would'st  have  me  trow  in  such  a  monster's  truth  ? 

And  shall  I  mine  ySSneas  trust  to  lying  breeze  forsooth,  850 

I,  fool  of  peaceful  heaven  and  sea  so  many  times  of  old  ? " 

So  saying  to  the  helm  he  clung,  nor  ever  left  his  hold, 

And  all  the  while  the  stars  above  his  eyen  toward  them  drew. 

But  lo,  the  God  brought  forth  a  bough  wet  with  Lethean  dew, 

And  sleepy  with  the  might  of  Styx,  and  shook  it  therewithal 

Over  his  brow,  and  loosed  his  lids  delaying  still  to  fall : 

But  scarce  in  first  of  stealthy  sleep  his  limbs  all  loosened  lay, 

When,  weighing  on  him,  did  he  tear  a  space  of  stern  away, 

And  rolled  him,  helm  and  wrack  and  all,  into  the  flowing  wave 

'Headlong,  and  crying  oft  in  vain  for  fellowship  to  save :  860 

Then  Sleep  himself  amid  thin  air  flew,  borne  upon  the  wing. 

No  less  the  ship-host  sails  the  sea,  its  safe  way  following 

Untroubled  'neath  the  plighted  word  of  Father  Neptune's  mouth. 

So  to  the  Sirens'  rocks  they  draw,  a  dangerous  pass  forsooth 

In  yore  agone,  now  white  with  bones  of  many  a  perished  man. 

Thence  ever  roared  the  salt  sea  now  as  on  the  rocks  it  ran  ; 

And  there  the  Father  felt  the  ship  fare  wild  and  fitfully, 

Her  helmsman  lost ;  so  he  himself  steered  o'er  the  night-tide  sea, 

Sore  weeping ;  for  his  fellow's  end  his  inmost  heart  did  touch  : 

"  O  Palinure,  that  trowed  the  sky  and  soft  seas  overmuch,  870 

Now  naked  on  an  unknown  shore  thy  resting-place  shall  be !  " 


BOOK    VI. 


ARGUMENT. 

ANEAS  COMETH  TO  THE  SIBYL  OF  CUMJE,  AND  BY  HER  IS  LED  INTO  THK 
UNDER-WORLD,  AND  THERE  BEHOLDETH  MANY  STRANGE  THINGS,  AND 
IN  THE  END  MEETETH  HIS  FATHER,  ANCHISES,  WHO  TELLETH  HIM  OF 
THE  DAYS  TO  COME. 

OO  spake  he  weeping,  and  his  host  let  loose  from  every  band, 

Until  at  last  they  draw  anigh  Cumae's  Eubcean  strand. 
They  turn  the  bows  from  off  the  main  ;  the  toothed  anchors'  grip 
Makes  fast  the  keels  ;  the  shore  is  hid  by  many  a  curved  ship. 
Hot-heart  the  youthful  company  leaps  on  the  Westland's  shore ; 
Part  falleth  on  to  seek  them  out  the  seed  of  fiery  store 
That  flint-veins  hide  ;  part  runneth  through  the  dwellings  of  the  deer, 
The  thicket  steads,  and  each  to  each  the  hidden  streams  they  bare. 

But  good  ^Eneas  seeks  the  house  where  King  Apollo  bides, 

The  mighty  den,  the  secret  place  set  far  apart,  that  hides  10 

The  awful  Sibyl,  whose  great  soul  and  heart  he  seeketh  home, 

The  Seer  of  Delos,  showing  her  the  hidden  things  to  come : 

And  so  the  groves  of  Trivia  and  golden  house  they  gain. 

Now  Dasdalus,  as  tells  the  tale,  fleeing  from  Minos'  reign, 

Durst  trust  himself  to  heaven  on  wings  swift  hastening,  and  swim  forth 

Along  the  road  ne'er  tried  before  unto  the  chilly  north  ; 

So  light  at  last  o'er  Chalcis'  towers  he  hung  amid  the  air, 

Then,  come  adown  to  earth  once  more,  to  thee  he  hallowed  here, 

O  Phoebus,  all  his  winged  oars,  and  built  thee  mighty  fane : 


136  THE  ^ENEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

Androgeus'  death  was  on  the  doors ;  then  paying  of  the  pain  20 

By  those  Cecropians ;  bid,  alas,  each  year  to  give  in  turn 

Seven  bodies  of  their  sons ; — lo  there,  the  lots  drawn  from  the  urn. 

But  facing  this  the  Gnosian  land  draws  up  amid  the  sea : 

There  is  the  cruel  bull-lust  wrought,  and  there  Pasiphae 

Embraced  by  guile :  the  blended  babe  is  there,  the  twiformed  thing, 

The  Minotaur,  that  evil  sign  of  Venus'  cherishing ; 

And  there  the  tangled  house  and  toil  that  ne'er  should  be  undone : 

But  ruth  of  Daedalus  himself  a  queen's  love-sorrow  won, 

And  he  himself  undid  the  snare  and  winding  wilderment, 

Guiding  the  blind  feet  with  the  thread.     Thou,  Icarus,  wert  blent  30 

Full  oft  with  such  a  work  be  sure,  if  grief  forbade  it  not ; 

But  twice  he  tried  to  shape  in  gold  the  picture  of  thy  lot, 

And  twice  the  father's  hands  fell  down. 

Long  had  their  eyes  read  o'er 

Such  matters,  but  Achates,  now,  sent  on  a  while  before, 
Was  come  with  that  Deiphobe,  the  Glaucus'  child,  the  maid 
Of  Phcebus  and  of  Trivia,  and  such  a  word  she  said : 
"  The  hour  will  have  no  tarrying  o'er  fair  shows  for  idle  eyes ; 
'Twere  better  from  an  unyoked  herd  seven  steers  to  sacrifice, 
And  e'en  so  many  hosts  of  ewes  in  manner  due  culled  out." 

She  spake ;  her  holy  bidding  then  the  warriors  go  about,  40 

Nor  tarry :  into  temple  high  she  calls  the  Teucrian  men, 

Where  the  huge  side  of  Cumae's  rock  is  carven  in  a  den, 

Where  are  an  hundred  doors  to  come,  an  hundred  mouths  to  go, 

Whence  e'en  so  many  awful  sounds,  the  Sibyl's  answers  flow. 

But  at  the  threshold  cried  the  maid  :  "  Now  is  the  hour  awake 

For  asking  —  Ah,  the  God,  the  God !  " 

And  as  the  word  she  spake 

Within  the  door,  all  suddenly  her  visage  and  her  hue 
Were  changed,  and  all  her  sleeked  hair,  and  gasping  breath  she  drew, 
And  with  the  rage  her  wild  heart  swelled,  and  greater  was  she  grown, 


BOOK  VI.  137 

Nor  mortal-voiced;  for  breath  of  God  upon  her  heart  was  blown  50 

As  He  drew  nigher : 

"  Art  thou  dumb  of  vows  and  prayers,  forsooth, 
Trojan  ^Eneas,  art  thou  dumb  ?  unprayed,  the  mighty  mouth 
Of  awe-mazed  house  shall  open  not." 

Even  such  a  word  she  said, 

Theu  hushed :  through  hardened  Teucrian  bones  swift  ran  the  chilly  dread, 
And  straight  the  king  from  inmost  heart  the  flood  of  prayers  doth  pour : 
"  Phoebus,  who  all  the  woe  of  Troy  hast  pitied  evermore, 
Who  Dardan  shaft  and  Paris'  hands  in  time  agone  didst  speed 
Against  Achilles'  body  there,  who  me  withal  didst  lead 
Over  the  seas  that  go  about  so  many  a  mighty  land, 

Through  those  Massylian  folks  remote,  and  length  of  Syrtes'  sand,        60 
Till  now  I  hold  that  Italy  that  ever  drew  aback ; 
And  now  perchance  a  Trojan  fate  we,  even  we  may  lack. 
Ye  now,  O  Gods  and  Goddesses,  to  whom  a  stumbling-stone 
Was  Ilium  in  the  days  of  old,  and  Dardan  folk's  renown, 
May  spare  the  folk  of  Pergamus.     But  thou,  O  holiest, 
O  Maid  that  knowest  things  to  come,  grant  thou  the  Latin  rest 
To  Teucrian  men,  and  Gods  of  Troy,  the  straying  wayworn  powers  1 
For  surely  now  no  realm  I  ask  but  such  as  Fate  makes  ours. 
To  Phoebus  and  to  Trivia  then  a  temple  will  I  raise, 
A  marble  world ;  in  Phoebus'  name  will  hallow  festal  days :  70 

Thee  also  in  our  realm  to  be  full  mighty  shrines  await, 
There  will  I  set  thine  holy  lots  and  hidden  words  of  fate 
Said  to  my  folk,  and  hallow  there  well-chosen  men  for  thee, 
O  Holy  One :  But  give  thou  not  thy  songs  to  leaf  of  tree, 
Lest  made  a  sport  to  hurrying  gales  confusedly  they  wend ; 
But  sing  them  thou  thyself,  I  pray ! " 

Therewith  his  words  had  end. 

Meanwhile  the  Seer-maid,  not  yet  tamed  to  Phoebus,  raves  about 
The  cave,  still  striving  from  her  breast  to  cast  the  godhead  out ; 
But  yet  the  more  the  mighty  God  her  mouth  bewildered  wears, 


138  THE  ^ENEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

Taming  her  wild  heart,  fashioning  her  soul  with  weight  of  fears.  80 

At  last  the  hundred  mighty  doors  fly  open,  touched  of  none, 
And  on  the  air  the  answer  floats  of  that  foreseeing  one  : 

"  O  Thou,  who  dangers  of  the  sea  hast  throughly  worn  away, 

Abides  thee  heavier  toil  of  earth :  the  Dardans  on  a  day 

Shall  come  to  that  Lavinian  land,  —  leave  fear  thereof  afar : 

Yet  of  their  coming  shall  they  rue.    Lo,  war,  war,  dreadful  war ! 

And  Tiber  bearing  plenteous  blood  upon  his  foaming  back. 

Nor  Simois  there,  nor  Xanthus'  stream,  nor  Dorian  camp  shall  lack  : 

Yea,  once  again  in  Latin  land  Achilles  is  brought  forth, 

God-born  no  less  :  nor  evermore  shall  mighty  Juno's  wrath  90 

Fail  Teucrian  men.     Ah,  how  shalt  thou,  fallen  on  evil  days, 

To  all  Italian  lands  and  folks  thine  hands  beseeching  raise ! 

Lo,  once  again  a  stranger  bride  brings  woeful  days  on  Troy, 

Once  more  the  wedding  of  a  foe. 

But  thou,  yield  not  to  any  ill,  but  set  thy  face,  and  wend 

The  bolder  where  thy  fortune  leads ;  the  dawn  of  perils'  end, 

Whence  least  thou  mightest  look  for  it,  from  Greekish  folk  shall  co.'  ve." 

Suchwise  the  Seer  of  Cumae  sang  from  out  her  inner  home 

The  dreadful  double  words,  wherewith  the  cavern  moans  again, 

As  sooth  amid  the  mirk  she  winds:  Apollo  shakes  the  rein  loc 

Over  the  maddened  one,  and  stirs  the  strings  about  her  breast ; 

But  when  her  fury  lulled  awhile  and  maddened  mouth  had  rest, 

Hero  JEneas  thus  began  : 

"  No  face  of  any  care, 

O  maiden,  can  arise  on  me  in  any  wise  unware : 
Yea,  all  have  I  forecast ;  my  mind  hath  worn  through  every  thing 
One  prayer  I  pray,  since  this  they  call  the  gateway  of  the  King 
Of  Nether-earth,  and  Acheron's  o'erflow  this  mirky  mere  : 
O  let  me  meet  the  eyes  and  mouth  of  my  dead  father  dear  ; 
O  open  me  the  holy  gate,  and  teach  me  where  to  go ! 


BOOK  VI.  139 

I  boie  him  on  these  shoulders  once  from  midmost  of  the  foe,  no 

From  flame  and  weapons  thousandfold  against  our  goings  bent ; 

My  yoke-fellow  upon  the  road  o'er  every  sea  he  went, 

'Gainst  every  threat  of  sea  and  sky  a  hardy  heart  he  held, 

Though  worn  and  feeble  past  decay  and  feebleness  of  eld. 

Yea,  he  it  was  who  bade  me  wend,  a  suppliant,  to  thy  door, 

And  seek  thee  out :  O  holy  one,  cast  thou  thy  pity  o'er 

Father  and  son :    All  things  thou  canst,  nor  yet  hath  Hecate* 

Set  thee  to  rule  Avernus'  woods  an  empty  Queen  to  be. 

Yea,  Orpheus  wrought  with  Thracian  harp  and  strings  of  tuneful  might 

To  draw  away  his  perished  love  from  midmost  of  the  night  120 

Yea,  Pollux,  dying  turn  for  turn,  his  brother  borrowed  well, 

And  went  and  came  the  road  full  oft—  Of  Theseus  shall  I  tell  ? 

Or  great  Alcides  ?     Ah,  I  too  from  highest  Jove  am  sprung." 

Such  were  the  words  he  prayed  withal  and  round  the  altars  clung : 
Then  she  fell  speaking : 

"  Man  of  Troy,  from  blood  of  Godhead  grown, 
Anchises'  child,  Avernus'  road  is  easy  faring  down ; 
All  day  and  night  is  open  wide  the  door  of  Dis  the  black ; 
But  thence  to  gain  the  upper  air,  and  win  the  footsteps  back, 
This  is  the  deed,  this  is  the  toil :  Some  few  have  had  the  might, 
Beloved  by  Jove  the  just,  upborne  to  heaven  by  valour's  light,  130 

The  Sons  of  God.     'Twixt  it  and  us  great  thicket  fills  the  place 
That  slow  Cocytus'  mirky  folds  all  round  about  embrace ; 
But  if  such  love  be  in  thine  heart,  such  yearning  in  thee  lie, 
To  swim  twice  o'er  the  Stygian  mere  and  twice  to  see  with  eye 
Black  Tartarus,  and  thou  must  needs  this  idle  labour  win, 
Hearken  what  first  there  is  to  do :  the  dusky  tree  within 
Lurks  the  gold  bough  with  golden  leaves  and  limber  twigs  of  gold, 
To  nether  Juno  consecrate ;  this  all  these  woods  enfold, 
Dim  shadowy  places  cover  it  amid  the  hollow  dale ; 
To  come  unto  the  under-world  none  living  may  avail  140 


140  THE  ^ENEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

Till  he  that  growth  of  golden  locks  from  off  the  tree  hath  shorn ; 

For  this  fair  Proserpine  ordained  should  evermore  be  borne 

Her  very  gift :  but,  plucked  away,  still  faileth  not  the  thing, 

Another  golden  stem  instead  hath  leafy  tide  of  spring. 

So  throughly  search  with  eyes :  thine  hand  aright  upon  it  lay 

When  thou  hast  found  :  for  easily  'twill  yield  and  come  away 

If  the  Fates  call  thee  :  otherwise  no  might  may  overbear 

Its  will,  nor  with  the  hardened  steel  the  marvel  mayst  thou  shear. 

—  Ah !  further,  —  of  thy  perished  friend  as  yet  thou  nothing  know'st, 

Whose  body  lying  dead  and  cold  defileth  all  thine  host,  150 

While  thou  beseechest  answering  words,  and  hangest  on  our  door: 

Go,  bring  him  to  his  own  abode  and  heap  the  grave  mound  o'er ; 

Bring  forth  the  black-wooled  ewes  to  be  first  bringing  back  of  grace  : 

So  shalt  thou  see  the  Stygian  groves,  so  shalt  thou  see  the  place 

That  hath  no  road  for  living  men." 

So  hushed  her  mouth  shut  close  : 

But  sad-faced  and  with  downcast  eyes  therefrom  ^Eneas  goes, 
And  leaves  the  cave,  still  turning  o'er  those  coming  things,  so  dim, 
So  dark  to  see.     Achates  fares  nigh  fellow  unto  him, 
And  ever  'neath  like  load  of  cares  he  lets  his  footsteps  fall : 
And  many  diverse  words  they  cast  each  unto  each  withal,  160 

What  was  the  dead  friend  and  the  grave  whereof  the  seer  did  teach. 
But  when  they  gat  them  down  at  last  upon  the  barren  beach, 
They  saw  Misenus  lying  dead  by  death  but  lightly  earned  ; 
Misenus,  son  of  JEolus ;  no  man  more  nobly  learned 
In  waking  up  the  war  with  brass  and  singing  Mars  alight. 
Great  Hector's  fellow  was  he  erst,  with  Hector  through  the  fight 
He  thrust,  by  horn  made  glorious,  made  glorious  by  the  spear. 
But  when  from  Hector  life  and  all  Achilles'  hand  did  tear, 
Dardan  ^Eneas'  man  became  that  mightiest  under  shield, 
Nor  unto  any  worser  lord  his  fellowship  would  yield.  170 

Now  while  by  chance  through  hollow  shell  he  blew  across  the  sea, 
And  witless  called  the  very  Gods  his  singing-foes  to  be, 


BOOK  VI.  141 

The  envious  Triton  caught  him  up,  if  ye  the  tale  may  trow, 

And  sank  the  hero  'twixt  the  rocks  in  foaming  waters'  flow. 

Wherefore  about  him  weeping  sore  were  gathered  all  the  men, 

And  good  JEneas  chief  of  all :  the  Sibyl's  bidding  then 

Weeping  they  speed,  and  loiter  not,  but  heap  the  tree-boughs  high 

Upon  the  altar  of  the  dead  to  raise  it  to  the  sky : 

Then  to  the  ancient  wood  they  fare,  high  dwelling  of  wild  things  j 

They  fell  the  pine,  and  'neath  the  axe  the  smitten  holm-oak  rings ;       180 

With  wedge  they  cleave  the  ashen  logs,  and  knitted  oaken  bole, 

Full  fain  to  split ;  and  mighty  elms  down  from  the  mountains  roll. 

Amid  the  work  ^-Eneas  is,  who  hearteneth  on  his  folk, 

As  with  such  very  tools  as  they  he  girds  him  for  the  stroke ; 

But  through  the  sorrow  of  his  heart  such  thought  as  this  there  strays, 

And  looking  toward  the  waste  of  wood  such  word  as  this  he  prays : 

"  O  if  that  very  golden  bough  would  show  upon  the  tree, 

In  such  a  thicket  and  so  great ;  since  all  she  told  of  thee, 

The  seer-maid,  O  Misenus  lost,  was  true  and  overtrue !  " 

But  scarcely  had  he  spoken  thus,  when  lo,  from  heaven  there  flew        190 

Two  doves  before  his  very  eyes,  who  settled  fluttering 

On  the  green  grass :  and  therewithal  that  mightiest  battle-king 

Knoweth  his  mother's  birds  new-come,  and  joyful  poureth  prayer : 

"  O,  if  a  way  there  be  at  all,  lead  ye  amid  the  air, 

Lead  on  unto  the  thicket  place  where  o'er  the  wealthy  soil 

The  rich  bough  casteth  shadow  down !    Fail  not  my  eyelids  toil, 

O  Goddess- mother !  " 

So  he  saith,  and  stays  his  feet  to  heed 

What  token  they  may  bring  to  him,  and  whitherward  they  speed. 
So  on  they  flutter  pasturing,  with  such  a  space  between, 
As  they  by  eyes  of  following  folk  may  scantly  well  be  seen  ;  200 

But  when  Avernus'  jaws  at  last,  the  noisome  place,  they  reach, 
They  rise  aloft  and  skim  the  air,  and  settle  each  by  each 


142  THE  ^ENEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

Upon  the  very  wished-for  place,  yea  high  amid  the  tree, 

Where  the  changed  light  through  twigs  of  gold  shines  forth  diversedly ; 

As  in  the  woods  mid  winter's  chill  puts  forth  the  mistletoe, 

And  bloometh  with  a  leafage  strange  his  own  tree  ne'er  did  sow, 

And  with  his  yellow  children  hath  the  rounded  trunk  in  hold, 

So  in  the  dusky  holm-oak  seemed  that  bough  of  leafy  gold, 

As  through  the  tinkling  shaken  foil  the  gentle  wind  went  by : 

Then  straight  ^Eneas  caught  and  culled  the  tough  stem  greedily,          210 

And  to  the  Sibyl's  dwelling-place  the  gift  in  hand  he  bore. 

Nor  less  meanwhile  the  Teucrians  weep  Misenus  on  the  shore, 

And  do  last  service  to  the  dead  that  hath  no  thanks  to  pay. 

And  first  fat  fagots  of  the  fir  and  oaken  logs  they  lay, 

And  pile  a  mighty  bale  and  rich,  and  weave  the  dusk-leaved  trees 

Between  its  sides,  and  set  before  the  funeral  cypresses, 

And  over  all  in  seemly  wise  the  gleaming  weapons  pile  : 

But  some  speed  fire  bewaved  brass  and  water's  warmth  meanwhile, 

And  wash  all  o'er  and  sleek  with  oil  the  cold  corpse  of  the  dead: 

Goes  up  the  wail ;  the  limbs  bewept  they  streak  upon  the  bed,  220 

And  cast  thereon  the  purple  cloths,  the  well-known  noble  gear. 

Then  some  of  them,  they  shoulder  up  the  mighty-fashioned  bier, 

Sad  service !  and  put  forth  the  torch  with  faces  from  him  turned, 

In  fashion  of  the  fathers  old :  there  the  heaped  offerings  burned 

The  frankincense,  the  dainty  meats,  the  bowls  o'erflowed  with  oil. 

But  when  the  ashes  were  sunk  down  and  fire  had  rest  from  toil, 

The  relics  and  the  thirsty  ash  with  unmixed  wine  they  wet. 

Then  the  gleaned  bones  in  brazen  urn  doth  Corynaeus  set, 

Who  thrice  about  the  gathered  folk  the  stainless  water  bore. 

As  from  the  fruitful  olive-bough  light  dew  he  sprinkled  o'er,  230 

And  cleansed  the  men,  and  spake  withal  last  farewell  to  the  dead. 

But  good  ^Eneas  raised  a  tomb,  a  mound  huge-fashioned, 

And  laid  thereon  the  hero's  arms  and  oar  and  battle-horn, 

Beneath  an  airy  hill  that  thence  Misenus'  name  hath  bcrne, 


BOOK  VI.  143 

And  still  shall  bear  it,  not  to  die  till  time  hath  faded  out. 

This  done,  those  deeds  the  Sibyl  bade  he  setteth  swift  about : 

A  deep  den  is  there,  pebble-piled,  with  mouth  that  gapeth  wide ; 

Black  mere  and  thicket  shadowy-mirk  the  secret  of  it  hide. 

And  over  it  no  fowl  there  is  may  wend  upon  the  wing 

And  'scape  the  bane  ;  its  blackened  jaws  bring  forth  such  venoming.  240 

Such  is  the  breath  it  bears  aloft  unto  the  hollow  heaven  ; 

So  to  the  place  the  Greekish  folk  have  name  of  Fowl-less  given. 

Here,  first  of  all,  four  black-skinned  steers  the  priestess  sets  in  line, 

And  on  the  foreheads  of  all  these  out-pours  the  bowl  of  wine. 

Then  'twixt  the  horns  she  culleth  out  the  topmost  of  the  hair, 

And  lays  it  on  the  holy  fire,  the  first-fruits  offered  there, 

And  cries  aloud  on  Hecate",  of  might  in  heaven  and  hell ; 

While  others  lay  the  knife  to  throat  and  catch  the  blood  that  fell 

Warm  in  the  bowls  :  yEneas  then  an  ewe-lamb  black  of  fleece 

Smites  down  with  sword  to  her  that  bore  the  dread  Eumenides,  250 

And  her  great  sister ;  and  a  cow  yet  barren  slays  aright 

To  thee,  O  Proserpine,  and  rears  the  altars  of  the  night 

Unto  the  Stygian  King,  and  lays  whole  bulls  upon  the  flame, 

Pouring  rich  oil  upon  the  flesh  that  rush  of  fire  o'ercame. 

But  now,  when  sunrise  is  at  hand,  and  dawning  of  the  day, 

The  earth  falls  moaning  'neath  their  feet,  the  wooded  ridges  sway, 

And  dogs  seem  howling  through  the  dusk  as  now  she  drew  anear 

The  Goddess.     "  O  be  far  away,  ye  unclean  ! "  cries  the  seer. 

"  Be  far  away  !  ah,  get  ye  gone  from  all  the  holy  wood ! 

But  thou,  ^Eneas,  draw  thy  steel  and  take  thee  to  the  road ;  260 

Now  needeth  all  thine  hardihood  and  steadfast  heart  and  brave." 

She  spake,  and  wildly  cast  herself  amidst  the  hollow  cave, 
But  close  upon  her  fearless  feet  ^Eneas  followeth. 


144  THE  ^ENEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

"  O  Gods,  who  rule  the  ghosts  of  men,  O  silent  shades  of  death, 
Chaos  and  Phlegethon,  hushed  lands  that  lie  beneath  the  night ! 
Let  me  speak  now,  for  I  have  heard :  O  aid  me  with  your  might 
To  open  things  deep  sunk  in  earth,  and  mid  the  darkness  blent." 

All  dim  amid  the  lonely  night  on  through  the  dusk  they  went, 

On  through  the  empty  house  of  Dis,  the  land  of  nought  at  all. 

E'en  as  beneath  the  doubtful  moon,  when  niggard  light  doth  fall          270 

Upon  some  way  amid  the  woods,  when  God  hath  hidden  heaven, 

And  black  night  from  the  things  of  earth  the  colours  clear  hath  driven. 

Lo,  in  the  first  of  Orcus'  jaws,  close  to  the  doorway  side, 
The  Sorrows  and  Avenging  Griefs  have  set  their  beds  to  bide  ; 
There  the  pale  kin  of  Sickness  dwells,  and  Eld,  the  woeful  thing, 
And  Fear,  and  squalid-fashioned  Lack,  and  witless  Hungering, 
Shapes  terrible  to  see  with  eye ;  and  Toil  of  Men,  and  Death, 
And  Sleep,  Death's  brother,  and  the  Lust  of  Soul  that  sickeneth  • 
And  War,  the  death-bearer,  was  set  full  in  the  threshold's  way, 
And  those  Well-willers'  iron  beds  :  there  heartless  Discord  lay,  280 

Whose  viper-breeding  hair  about  was  bloody-filleted. 

But  in  the  midst  a  mighty  elm,  dusk  as  the  night,  outspread 

Its  immemorial  boughs  and  limbs,  where  lying  dreams  there  lurk, 

As  tells  the  tale,  still  clinging  close  'neath  every  leaf-side  mirk. 

Withal  most  wondrous,  many-shaped  are  all  the  wood-beasts  there , 

The  Centaurs  stable  by  the  porch,  and  twi-shaped  Scyllas  fare, 

And  hundred-folded  Briareus,  and  Lerna's  Worm  of  dread 

Fell  hissing ;  and  Chimaera's  length  and  fire-behelmed  head, 

Gorgons  and  Harpies,  and  the  shape  of  that  three-bodied  Shade. 

Then  smitten  by  a  sudden  fear  ^Eneas  caught  his  blade,  290 

And  turned  the  naked  point  and  edge  against  their  drawing  nigh ; 

And  but  for  her  wise  word  that  these  were  thin  lives  flitting  by 

All  bodiless,  and  wrapped  about  in  hollow  shape  and  vain, 


BOOK  VI.  us 

With  idle  sword  had  he  set  on  to  cleave  the  ghosts  atwain. 

To  Acheron  of  Tartarus  from  hence  the  road  doth  go, 

That  mire-bemingled,  whirling  wild,  rolls  on  his  desert  flow, 

And  all  amid  Cocytus'  flood  casteth  his  world  of  sand. 

This  flood  and  river's  ferrying  doth  Charon  take  in  hand, 

Dread  in  his  squalor :  on  his  chin  untrimmed  the  hoar  hair  lies 

Most  plenteous ;  and  unchanging  flame  bides  in  his  staring  eyes :        300 

Down  from  his  shoulders  hangs  his  gear  in  filthy  knot  upknit ; 

And  he  himself  poles  on  his  ship,  and  tends  the  sails  of  it, 

And  crawls  with  load  of  bodies  lost  in  bark  all  iron-gray, 

Grown  old  by  now :  but  fresh  and  green  is  godhead's  latter  day. 

Down  thither  rushed  a  mighty  crowd,  unto  the  flood-side  borne ; 

Mothers  and  men,  and  bodies  there  with  all  the  life  outworn 

Of  great-souled  heroes ;  many  a  boy  and  never-wedded  maid, 

And  youths  before  their  fathers'  eyes  upon  the  death-bale  laid : 

As  many  as  the  leaves  fall  down  in  first  of  autumn  cold ; 

As  many  as  the  gathered  fowl  press  on  to  field  and  fold,  310 

From  off  the  weltering  ocean-flood,  when  the  late  year  and  chill 

Hath  driven  them  across  the  sea  the  sunny  lands  to  fill. 

There  stood  the  first  and  prayed  him  hard  to  waft  their  bodies  o'er, 
With  hands  stretched  out  for  utter  love  of  that  far-lying  shore. 
But  that  grim  sailor  now  takes  these,  now  those  from  out  the  band, 
While  all  the  others  far  away  he  thrusteth  from  the  sand. 

JEneas  wondered  at  the  press,  and  moved  thereby  he  spoke : 

"  Say,  Maid,  what  means  this  river-side,  and  gathering  of  the  folk  ? 

What  seek  the  souls,  and  why  must  some  depart  the  river's  rim, 

While  others  with  the  sweep  of  oars  the  leaden  waters  skim  ? "  320 

Thereon  the  ancient  Maid  of  Days  in  few  words  answered  thus : 

10 


146  THE  ^ENEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

"  Anchises'  seed,  thou  very  child  of  Godhead  glorious, 

Thou  seest  the  deep  Cocytus'  pools,  thou  seest  the  Stygian  mere, 

By  whose  might  Gods  will  take  the  oath,  and  all  forswearing  fear : 

But  all  the  wretched  crowd  thou  seest  are  they  that  lack  a  grave, 

And  Charon  is  the  ferryman :  those  borne  across  the  wave 

Are  buried :  none  may  ever  cross  the  awful  roaring  road 

Until  their  bones  are  laid  at  rest  within  their  last  abode. 

An  hundred  years  they  stray  about  and  wander  round  the  shore, 

Then  they  at  last  have  grace  to  gain  the  pools  desired  so  sore."  330 

There  tarried  then  Anchises'  child  and  stayed  awhile  his  feet, 

Mid  many  thoughts,  and  sore  at  heart,  for  such  a  doom  unmeet : 

And  there  he  saw  all  sorrowful,  without  the  death-dues  dead, 

Leucaspis,  and  Orontes,  he  that  Lycian  ship-host  led ; 

Whom,  borne  from  Troy  o'er  windy  plain,  the  South  wind  utterly 

Overwhelming,  sank  him,  ships  and  men,  in  swallow  of  the  sea. 

And  lo  ye  now,  where  Palinure  the  helmsman  draweth  nigh, 

Who  lately  on  the  Libyan  sea,  noting  the  starry  sky, 

Fell  from  the  high  poop  headlong  down  mid  wavy  waters  cast. 

His  sad  face  through  the  plenteous  dusk  ^Eneas  knew  at  last,  340 

And  spake : 

"What  God,  O  Palinure,  did  snatch  thee  so  away 
From  us  thy  friends  and  drown  thee  dead  amidst  the  watery  way  ? 
Speak  out !  for  Seer  Apollo,  found  no  guileful  prophet  erst, 
By  this  one  answer  in  my  soul  a  lying  hope  hath  nursed  ; 
Who  sang  of  thee  safe  from  the  deep  and  gaining  field  and  fold 
Of  fair  Ausonia :  suchwise  he  his  plighted  word  doth  hold  ! " 

The  other  spake :  "  Apollo's  shrine  in  nowise  lied  to  thee, 

King  of  Anchises,  and  no  God  hath  drowned  me  in  the  sea : 

But  while  I  clung  unto  the  helm,  its  guard  ordained  of  right, 

And  steered  thee  on,  I  chanced  to  fall,  and  so  by  very  might  350 

Seaward  I  dragged  it  down  with  me.     By  the  rough  seas  I  swear 


BOOK  VI.  147 

My  heart,  for  any  hap  of  mine,  had  no  so  great  a  fear 

As  for  thy  ship ;  lest,  rudderless,  its  master  from  it  torn, 

Amid  so  great  o'ertoppling  seas  it  yet  might  fail  forlorn. 

Three  nights  of  storm  I  drifted  on,  'neath  wind  and  water's  might, 

Over  the  sea-plain  measureless  ;  but  with  the  fourth  day's  light 

There  saw  I  Italy  rise  up  from  welter  of  the  wave. 

Then  slow  I  swam  unto  the  land,  that  me  well-nigh  did  save, 

But  fell  the  cruel  folk  on  me,  heavy  with  raiment  wet, 

And  striving  with  my  hooked  hands  hold  on  the  rocks  to  get :  360 

The  fools,  they  took  me  for  a  prey,  and  steel  against  me  bore. 

Now  the  waves  have  me,  and  the  winds  on  sea-beach  roll  me  o'er. 

But  by  the  breath  of  heaven  above,  by  daylight's  joyous  ways, 

By  thine  own  father,  by  the  hope  of  young  lulus'  days, 

Snatch  me,  O  dauntless,  from  these  woes,  and  o'er  me  cast  the  earth ! 

As  well  thou  may'st  when  thou  once  more  hast  gained  the  Veline  firth. 

Or  if  a  way  there  be,  if  way  thy  Goddess-mother  show, — 

For  not  without  the  will  of  Gods  meseemeth  wouldst  thou  go 

O'er  so  great  floods,  or  have  a  mind  to  swim  the  Stygian  mere,  — 

Then  give  thine  hand,  and  o'er  the  wave  me  woeful  with  thee  bear,      370 

That  I  at  least  in  quiet  place  may  rest  when  I  am  dead." 

So  spake  he,  but  the  priestess  straight  such  word  unto  him  said : 

"  O  Palinure,  what  godless  mind  hath  gotten  hold  of  thee, 

That  thou  the  grim  Well-willers'  stream  and  Stygian  flood  wouldst  see 

Unburied,  and  unbidden  still  the  brim  wilt  draw  anear  ? 

Hope  not  the  Fates  of  very  God  to  change  by  any  prayer. 

But  take  this  memory  of  my  words  to  soothe  thy  wretched  case : 

Through  all  their  cities  far  and  wide  the  people  of  the  place, 

Driven  by  mighty  signs  from  heaven,  thy  bones  shall  expiate 

And  raise  thee  tomb,  and  year  by  year  with  worship  on  thee  wait ;       380 

And  there  the  name  of  Palinure  shall  dwell  eternally." 

So  at  that  word  his  trouble  lulled,  his  grief  of  heart  passed  by, 


148  THE  ^ENEIDS  OF  VIRGIL. 

A  little  while  he  joyed  to  think  of  land  that  bore  his  name. 

So  forth  upon  their  way  they  went  and  toward  the  river  came  ; 
But  when  from  Stygian  wave  their  path  the  shipman's  gaze  did  meet, 
As  through  the  dead  hush  of  the  grove  shoreward  they  turned  their  feet, 
He  fell  upon  them  first  with  words  and  unhid  chided  them : 

"  Whoe'er  ye  be  who  come  in  arms  unto  our  river's  hem, 

Say  what  ye  be !  yea,  speak  from  thence  and  stay  your  steps  forthright  ! 

This  is  the  very  place  of  shades,  and  sleep,  and  sleepful  night ;  390 

And  living  bodies  am  I  banned  in  Stygian  keel  to  bear. 

Nor  soothly  did  I  gain  a  joy,  giving  Alcides  fare, 

Or  ferrying  of  Pirithoiis  and  Theseus  time  agone, 

Though  come  of  God  they  were  and  matched  in  valiancy  of  none: 

He  sought  the  guard  of  Tartarus  chains  on  his  limbs  to  lay, 

And  from  the  King's  own  seat  he  dragged  the  quaking  beast  away : 

Those  strove  to  carry  off  the  Queen  from  great  Dis'  very  bed." 

The  Amphrysian  prophet  answering,  few  words  unto  him  said : 

"  But  here  are  no  such  guiles  as  this,  so  let  thy  wrath  go  by  : 

Our  weapons  bear  no  war ;  for  us  still  shall  the  door-ward  lie  40*1 

And  bark  in  den,  and  fright  the  ghosts,  the  bloodless,  evermore : 

Nor  shall  chaste  Proserpine  for  us  pass  through  her  kinsman's  door  : 

Trojan  ^Eneas,  great  in  arms  and  great  in  godly  grace, 

Goes  down  through  dark  of  Erebus  to  see  his  father's  face. 

But  if  such  guise  of  piety  may  move  thine  heart  no  whit, 

At  least  this  bough  "  —  (bared  from  her  weed  therewith  she  showeth  it)-  •- 

"  Know  ye ! " 

Then  in  his  swelling  heart  adown  the  anger  sank, 
Nor  spake  he  more  ;  but  wondering  at  that  gift  a  God  might  thank, 
The  fateful  stem,  now  seen  once  more  so  long  a  time  worn  by, 
He  turned  about  his  coal-blue  keel  and  drew  the  bank  anigh  4*  > 

The  souls  upon  the  long  thwarts  set  therewith  he  thrusteth  our, 


BOOK  VI.  149 

And  clears  the  gangway,  and  withal  takes  in  his  hollow  boat 

The  huge  ^Eneas,  'neath  whose  weight  the  seamed  boat  groans  and  creaks 

And  plenteous  water  of  the  mere  lets  in  at  many  leaks. 

At  last  the  Hero  and  the  Maid  safe  o'er  the  watery  way 

He  leaveth  on  the  ugly  mire  and  sedge  of  sorry  grey. 

The  three-mouthed  bark  of  Cerberus  here  filleth  all  the  place, 
As  huge  he  lieth  in  a  den  that  hath  them  full  in  face ; 
But  when  the  adders  she  beheld  upon  his  crest  up-borne, 
A  sleepy  morsel  honey-steeped,  and  blent  of  wizards'  corn,  420 

She  cast  him :  then  his  three-fold  throat,  all  wild  with  hunger's  lack, 
He  opened  wide,  and  caught  at  it,  and  sank  his  monstrous  back, 
And  there  he  lay  upon  the  earth  enormous  through  the  cave. 
^Eneas  caught  upon  the  pass  the  door-ward's  slumber  gave, 
And  fled  the  bank  of  that  sad  stream  no  man  may  pass  again. 
And  many  sounds  they  heard  therewith,  a  wailing  vast  and  vain ; 
For  weeping  souls  of  speechless  babes  round  the  first  threshold  lay, 
Whom,  without  share  of  life's  delight,  snatched  from  the  breast  away, 
The  black  day  hurried  off,  and  all  in  bitter  ending  hid. 
And  next  were  those  condemned  to  die  for  deed  they  never  did :          430 
For  neither  doom  nor  judge  nor  house  may  any  lack  in  death  : 
The  seeker  Minos  shakes  the  urn,  and  ever  summoneth 
The  hushed-ones'  court,  and  learns  men's  lives  and  what  against  them 
stands. 

The  next  place  is  of  woeful  ones,  who  sackless,  with  their  hands 

Compassed  their  death,  and  weary-sick  of  light  without  avail 

Cast  life  away ;  but  now  how  fain  to  bear  the  poor  man's  bale 

Beneath  the  heaven,  the  uttermost  of  weary  toil  to  bear ! 

But  law  forbiddeth :  the  sad  wave  of  that  unlovely  mere 

Is  changeless  bond ;  and  ninefold  Styx  compelleth  to  abide. 

Nor  far  from  thence  behold  the  meads  far  spread  on  every  side,  440 

The  Mourning  Meads  —  in  tale  have  they  such  very  name  and  sign. 


iSo  THE  ^ENEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

There  those  whom  hard  love  ate  away  with  cruel  wasting  pine 
Are  hidden  in  the  lonely  paths  with  myrtle-groves  about, 
Nor  in  the  very  death  itself  may  wear  their  trouble  out : 
Phaedra  he  saw,  Pocris  he  saw,  and  Eriphyle  sad. 
Baring  that  cruel  offspring's  wound  her  loving  body  had : 
Evadne  and  Pasiphae,  Laodamia  there 
He  saw,  and  Caenis,  once  a  youth  and  then  a  maiden  fair, 
And  shifted  by  the  deed  of  fate  to  his  old  shape  again. 

Midst  whom  Phoenician  Dido  now,  fresh  from  the  iron  bane,  450 

Went  wandering  in  the  mighty  wood  :  and  when  the  Trojan  man 

First  dimly  knew  her  standing  by  amid  the  glimmer  wan 

—  E'en  as  in  earliest  of  the  month  one  sees  the  moon  arise, 

Or  seems  to  see  her  at  the  least  in  cloudy  drift  of  skies  — 

He  spake,  and  let  the  tears  fall  down  by  all  love's  sweetness  stirred  : 

"  Unhappy  Dido,  was  it  true,  that  bitter  following  word, 

That  thou  wert  dead,  by  sword  hadst  sought  the  utter  end  of  all  ? 

Was  it  thy  very  death  I  wrought  ?     Ah !  on  the  stars  I  call, 

I  call  the  Gods  and  whatso  faith  the  nether  earth  may  hold, 

To  witness  that  against  my  will  I  left  thy  field  and  fold !  460 

But  that  same  bidding  of  the  Gods,  whereby  e'en  now  I  wend 

Through  dark,  through  deserts  rusty-rough,  through  night  without  an  end, 

Drave  me  with  doom.     Nor  held  my  heart  in  anywise  belief 

That  my  departure  from  thy  land  might  work  thee  such  a  grief. 

O  stay  thy  feet !  nor  tear  thyself  from  my  beholding  thus. 

Whom  fleest  thou  ?  this  word  is  all  that  Fate  shall  give  to  us." 

Such  were  the  words  ^Eneas  spake  to  sooth  her  as  she  stood 

With  stern  eyes  flaming,  while  his  heart  swelled  with  the  woeful  flood : 

But,  turned  away,  her  sick  eyes  still  she  fixed  upon  the  earth ; 

Nor  was  her  face  moved  any  more  by  all  his  sad  words'  birth  470 

Than  if  Marpesian  crag  or  flint  had  held  her  image  so : 

At  last  she  flung  herself  away,  and  fled,  his  utter  foe, 

Unto  the  shady  wood,  where  he,  her  husband  of  old  days, 


BOOK  VI.  151 

Gives  grief  for  grief,  and  loving  heart  beside  her  loving  lays. 
Nor  less  ^Eneas,  smitten  sore  by  her  unworthy  woes, 
With  tears  and  pity  followeth  her  as  far  away  she  goes. 

But  thence  the  meted  way  they  wear,  and  reach  the  outer  field, 

Where  dwell  apart  renowned  men,  the  mighty  under  shield : 

There  Tydeus  meets  him ;  there  he  sees  the  great  fight-glorious  man, 

Parthenopaeus  ;  therewithal  Adrastus'  image  wan ;  480 

And  there  the  Dardans  battle-slain,  for  whom  the  wailing  went 

To  very  heaven  :  their  long  array  he  saw  with  sad  lament : 

Glaucus  and  Medon  there  he  saw,  Thersilochus,  the  three 

Antenor-sons,  and  Polyphcete,  by  Ceres'  mystery 

Made  holy,  and  Idaeus  still  in  car  with  armed  hand : 

There  on  the  right  side  and  the  left  the  straying  spirits  stand. 

Nor  is  one  sight  of  him  enough ;  it  joyeth  them  to  stay 

And  pace  beside,  asking  for  why  he  wendeth  such  a  way. 

But  when  the  lords  of  Danaan  folk,  and  Agamemnon's  hosts, 

Behold  the  man  and  gleaming  arms  amid  the  dusky  ghosts,  490 

They  fall  a-quaking  full  of  fear :  some  turn  their  back  to  fly 

As  erst  they  ran  unto  the  ships ;  some  raise  a  quavering  cry, 

But  never  from  their  gaping  vain  will  swell  the  shout  begun. 

And  now  Deiphobus  he  sees,  the  glorious  Priam's  son ; 

But  all  his  body  mangled  sore,  his  face  all  evilly  hacked, 

His  face  and  hands ;  yea,  and  his  head,  laid  waste,  the  ear-lobes  lacked, 

And  nostrils  cropped  unto  the  root  by  wicked  wound  and  grim. 

Scarcely  he  knew  the  trembling  man,  who  strove  to  hide  from  him 

Those  torments  dire,  but  thus  at  last  he  spake  in  voice  well  known  : 

"  O  great  in  arms,  Deiphobus,  from  Teucer's  blood  come  down,  500 

Who  had  the  heart  to  work  on  thee  such  bitter  wicked  bale  ? 
Who  had  the  might  to  deal  thee  this?     Indeed  I  heard  the  tale, 
That,  tired  with  slaying  of  the  Greeks  on.  that  last  night  of  all, 


152  THE  ^ENEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

Upon  a  heap  of  mingled  death  thou  didst  to  slumber  fall : 

And  I  myself  an  empty  tomb  on  that  Rhcetean  coast 

Set  up  to  thee,  and  thrice  aloud  cried  blessing  on  thy  ghost : 

Thy  name  and  arms  still  keep  the  place ;  but  thee  I  found  not,  friend, 

To  set  thee  in  thy  fathers'  earth  ere  I  too  needs  must  wend." 

To  him  the  child  of  Priam  spake :  "  Friend,  nought  thou  left'st  undone ; 

All  things  thou  gav'st  Dei'phobus,  and  this  dead  shadowy  one :  510 

My  Fates  and  that  Laconian  Bane,  the  Woman  wicked-fair, 

Have  drowned  me  in  this  sea  of  ill :  she  set  these  tokens  here. 

How  midst  a  lying  happiness  we  wore  the  last  night  by 

Thou  know'st :  yea,  overwell  belike  thou  hold'st  that  memory. 

Now  when  the  baneful  Horse  of  Fate  high  Pergamos  leapt  o'er, 

With  womb  come  nigh  unto  the  birth  of  weaponed  men  of  war, 

She,  feigning  hallowed  dance,  led  on  a  holy-shouting  band 

Of  Phrygian  maids,  and  midst  of  them,  the  bale-fire  in  her  hand, 

Called  on  the  Danaan  men  to  come,  high  on  the  castle's  steep : 

But  me,  outworn  with  many  cares  and  weighed  adown  with  sleep,         520 

The  hapless  bride-bed  held  meanwhile,  and  on  me  did  there  press 

Deep  rest  and  sweet,  most  like  indeed  to  death's  own  quietness. 

Therewith  my  glorious  wife  all  arms  from  out  the  house  withdrew, 

And  stole  away  from  o'er  my  head  the  sword  whose  faith  I  knew, 

Called  Menelaiis  to  the  house  and  opened  him  the  door, 

Thinking,  forsooth,  great  gift  to  give  to  him  who  loved  so  sore, 

To  quench  therewith  the  tale  gone  by  of  how  she  did  amiss. 

Why  linger  ?    They  break  in  on  me,  and  he  their  fellow  is, 

Ulysses,  preacher  of  all  guilt.  —  O  Gods,  will  ye  not  pay 

The  Greeks  for  all  ?  belike  with  mouth  not  godless  do  I  pray.  530 

—  But  tell  me,  thou,  what  tidings  new  have  brought  thee  here  alive  ? 

Is  it  blind  strayings  o'er  the  sea  that  hither  doth  thee  drive, 

Or  bidding  of  the  Gods  ?     Wherein  hath  Fortune  worn  thee  so, 

That  thou,  midst  sunless  houses  sad,  confused  lands,  must  go  ? " 


BOOK  VI.  153 

But  as  they  gave  and  took  in  talk,  Aurora  at  the  last 

In  rosy  wain  the  topmost  crown  of  upper  heaven  had  passed, 

And  all  the  fated  time  perchance  in  suchwise  had  they  spent ; 

But  warning  of  few  words  enow  the  Sibyl  toward  him  sent : 

"  Night  falls,  ^Eneas,  weeping  here  we  wear  the  hours  in  vain ; 

And  hard  upon  us  is  the  place  where  cleaves  the  road  atwain ;  540 

On  by  the  walls  of  mighty  Dis  the  right-hand  highway  goes, 

Our  way  to  that  Elysium :  the  left  drags  on  to  woes 

Ill-doers'  souls,  and  bringeth  them  to  godless  Tartarus." 

Then  spake  Deiphobus :  "  Great  seer,  be  not  o'erwroth  with  us : 

I  will  depart  and  fill  the  tale,  and  unto  dusk  turn  back : 

Go  forth,  our  glory,  go  and  gain  the  better  fate  I  lack !  " 

And  even  with  that  latest  word  his  feet  he  tore  away. 

But  suddenly  ^Eneas  turned,  and  lo,  a  city  lay 

Wide-spread  'neath  crags  upon  the  left,  girt  with  a  wall  threefold ; 

And  round  about  in  hurrying  flood  a  flaming  river  rolled,  550 

E'en  Phlegethon  of  Tartarus,  with  rattling,  stony  roar : 

In  face  with  adamantine  posts  was  wrought  the  mighty  door, 

Such  as  no  force  of  men  nor  might  of  heaven-abiders  high 

May  cleave  with  steel ;  an  iron  tower  thence  riseth  to  the  sky : 

And  there  is  set  Tisiphone,  with  girded  blood-stained  gown, 

Who,  sleepless,  holdeth  night  and  day  the  doorway  of  the  town. 

Great  wail  and  cruel  sound  of  stripes  that  city  sendeth  out, 

And  iron  clanking  therewithal  of  fetters  dragged  about. 

Then  fearfully  ^Eneas  stayed,  and  drank  the  tumult  in : 

"  O  tell  me,  Maiden,  what  is  there  ?    What  images  of  sin  ?  560 

What  torments  bear  they  ?    What  the  wail  yon  city  casts  abroad  ? " 

Then  so  began  the  seer  to  speak  :  "  O  glorious  Teucrian  lord, 
On  wicked  threshold  of  the  place  no  righteous  foot  may  stand : 
But  when  great  Hecate  made  me  Queen  of  that  Avernus  land, 


154  THE  ^ENEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

Shf  taught  me  of  God's  punishments  and  led  me  down  the  path. 

—  There  Gnosian  Rhadamanthus  now  most  heavy  lordship  hath, 

And  heareth  lies,  and  punisheth,  and  maketh  men  confess 

Their  deeds  of  earth,  whereof  made  glad  by  foolish  wickedness, 

They  thrust  the  late  repentance  off  till  death  drew  nigh  to  grip : 

Those  guilty  drives  Tisiphone,  armed  with  avenging  whip,  570 

And  mocks  their  writhings,  casting  forth  her  other  dreadful  hand 

Filled  with  the  snakes,  and  crying  on  her  cruel  sister's  band. 

And  then  at  last  on  awful  hinge  loud-clanging  opens  wide 

The  Door  of  Doom  :  —  and  lo,  behold  what  door-ward  doth  abide 

Within  the  porch,  what  thing  it  is  the  city  gate  doth  hold  ! 

More  dreadful  yet  the  Water-worm,  with  black  mouth  fifty-fold, 

Hath  dwelling  in  the  inner  parts.     Then  Tartarus  aright 

Gapes  sheer  adown ;  and  twice  so  far  it  thrusteth  under  night 

As  up  unto  the  roof  of  heaven  Olympus  lifteth  high  : 

And  there  the  ancient  race  of  Earth,  the  Titan  children,  lie,  580 

Cast  down  by  thunder,  wallowing  in  bottomless  abode. 

There  of  the  twin  Aloidae  the  monstrous  bodies'  load 

I  saw  ;  who  fell  on  mighty  heaven  to  cleave  it  with  their  hands, 

That  they  might  pluck  the  Father  Jove  from  out  his  glorious  lands  ; 

And  Salmoneus  I  saw  withal,  paying  the  cruel  pain 

That  fire  of  Jove  and  heaven's  own  voice  on  earth  he  needs  must  feign : 

He,  drawn  by  fourfold  rush  of  steeds,  and  shaking  torches'  glare, 

Amidmost  of  the  Grecian  folks,  amidst  of  Elis  fair, 

Went  glorying,  and  the  name  of  God  and  utter  worship  sought. 

O  fool !  the  glory  of  the  storm,  and  lightning  like  to  nought,  590 

He  feigned  with  rattling  copper  things  and  beat  of  horny  hoof. 

Him  the  Almighty  Father  smote  from  cloudy  rack  aloof, 

But  never  brand  nor  pitchy  flame  of  smoky  pine-tree  cast, 

As  headlong  there  he  drave  him  down  amid  the  whirling  blast. 

And  Tityon,  too,  the  child  of  Earth,  great  Mother  of  all  things, 

There  may  ye  see  :  nine  acres'  space  his  mighty  frame  he  flings ; 

His  deathless  liver  still  is  cropped  by  that  huge  vulture's  beak 


BOOK  VI.  155 

That  evermore  his  daily  meat  doth  mid  his  inwards  seek, 

Fruitful  of  woe,  and  hath  his  home  beneath  his  mighty  breast : 

Whose  heart-strings  eaten,  and  new-born  shall  never  know  of  rest        600 

Of  Lapithae,  Pirithous,  Ixion,  what  a  tale  ! 

O'ei  whom  the  black  crag  hangs,  that  slips,  and  slips,  and  ne'er  shall  fail 

To  seem  to  fall.    The  golden  feet  of  feast-beds  glitter  bright, 

And  there  in  manner  of  the  kings  is  glorious  banquet  dight. 

But  lo,  the  Furies'  eldest-born  is  crouched  beside  it  there, 

And  banneth  one  and  all  of  them  hand  on  the  board  to  bear, 

And  riseth  up  with  tossing  torch,  and  crieth,  thundering  loud. 

Here  they  that  hated  brethren  sore  while  yet  their  life  abode, 

The  father-smiters,  they  that  drew  the  client-catching  net, 

The  brooders  over  treasure  found  in  earth,  who  never  yet  610 

Would  share  one  penny  with  their  friends  —  and  crowded  thick  these  are  — 

Those  slain  within  another's  bed ;  the  followers  up  of  war 

Unrighteous  ;  they  no  whit  ashamed  their  masters'  hand  to  fail, 

Here  prisoned  bide  the  penalty :  seek  not  to  know  their  tale 

Of  punishment ;  what  fate  it  is  o'erwhelmeth  such  a  folk. 

Some  roll  huge  stones  ;  some  hang  adown,  fast  bound  to  tire  or  spoke 

Of  mighty  wheels.     There  sitteth  now,  and  shall  sit  evermore 

Theseus  undone  :  wretch  Phlegyas  is  crying  o'er  and  o'er 

His  warning,  and  in  mighty  voice  through  dim  night  testifies  : 

'  Be  warned,  and  learn  of  righteousness,  nor  holy  Gods  despise.'  620 

This  sold  his  fatherland  for  gold  ;  this  tyrant  on  it  laid ; 

This  for  a  price  made  laws  for  men,  for  price  the  laws  unmade : 

This  broke  into  his  daughter's  bed  and  wedding-tide  accursed : 

All  dared  to  think  of  monstrous  deed,  and  did  the  deed  they  durst 

Nor,  had  I  now  an  hundred  mouths,  an  hundred  tongues  at  need, 

An  iron  voice,  might  I  tell  o'er  all  guise  of  evil  deed, 

Or  run  adown  the  names  of  woe  those  evil  deeds  are  worth." 

So  when  Apollo's  ancient  seer  such  words  had  given  forth  : 

"  Now  to  the  road  !  fulfil  the  gift  that  we  so  far  have  brought !  629 


156  THE  ^ENEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

Haste  on  ! "  she  saith,  "  I  see  the  walls  in  Cyclops'  furnace  wrought ; 
And  now  the  opening  of  the  gates  is  lying  full  in  face, 
Where  we  are  bidden  lay  adown  the  gift  that  brings  us  grace." 

She  spake,  and  through  the  dusk  of  ways  on  side  by  side  they  wend, 

And  wear  the  space  betwixt,  and  reach  the  doorway  in  the  end. 

./Eneas  at  the  entering  in  bedews  his  body  o'er 

With  water  fresh,  and  sets  the  bough  in  threshold  of  the  door. 

So,  all  being  done,  the  Goddess'  gift  well  paid  in  manner  meet, 

They  come  into  a  joyous  land,  and  greensward  fair  and  sweet 

Amid  the  happiness  of  groves,  the  blessed  dwelling-place. 

Therein  a  more  abundant  heaven  clothes  all  the  meadows'  face  640 

With  purple  light,  and  their  own  sun  and  their  own  stars  they  have. 

Here  some  in  games  upon  the  grass  their  bodies  breathing  gave ; 

Or  on  the  yellow  face  of  sand  they  strive  and  play  the  play ; 

Some  beat  the  earth  with  dancing  foot,  and  some,  the  song  they  say : 

And  there  withal  the  Thracian  man  in  flowing  raiment  sings 

Unto  the  measure  of  the  dance  on  seven-folded  strings  ; 

And  now  he  smites  with  finger-touch,  and  now  with  ivory  reed. 

And  here  is  Teucer's  race  of  old,  most  lovely  sons  indeed  ; 

High-hearted  heroes  born  on  earth  in  better  days  of  joy : 

Ilus  was  there,  Assaracus,  and  he  who  builded  Troy,  650 

E'en  Dardanus.     Far  off  are  seen  their  empty  wains  of  war 

And  war-weed  :  stand  the  spears  in  earth,  unyoked  the  horses  aie, 

And  graze  the  meadows  all  about ;  for  even  as  they  loved 

Chariot  and  weapons,  yet  alive,  and  e'en  as  they  were  moved 

To  feed  sleek  horses,  under  earth  doth  e'en  such  joy  abide. 

Others  he  saw  to  right  and  left  about  the  meadows  wide 

Feasting ;  or  joining  merry  mouths  to  sing  the  battle  won 

Amidst  the  scented  laurel  grove,  whence  earthward  rolleth  on 

The  full  flood  that  Eridanus  athwart  the  wood  doth  pour. 

Lo,  they  who  in  their  country's  fight  sword- wounded  bodies  boie ;       660 

Lo,  priests  of  holy  life  and  chaste,  while  they  in  life  had  part ; 


BOOK  VI.  157 

Lo,  God-loved  poets,  men  who  spake  things  worthy  Phoebus'  heart  : 
And  they  who  bettered  life  on  earth  by  new-found  mastery ; 
And  they  whose  good  deeds  left  a  tale  for  men  to  name  them  by : 
And  all  they  had  their  brows  about  with  snowy  fillets  bound. 

Now  unto  them  the  Sibyl  spake  as  there  they  flowed  around,  — 

Unto  Musaeus  first ;  for  him  midmost  the  crowd  enfolds 

Higher  than  all  from  shoulders  up,  and  reverently  beholds : 

"  Say,  happy  souls,  and  thou,  O  bard,  the  best  earth  ever  bare, 

What  land,  what  place  Anchises  hath  ?  for  whose  sake  came  we  here,  670 

And  swam  the  floods  of  Erebus  and  every  mighty  wave." 

Then,  lightly  answering  her  again,  few  words  the  hero  gave : 
"  None  hath  a  certain  dwelling-place ;  in  shady  groves  we  bide, 
And  meadows  fresh  with  running  streams,  and  beds  by  river-side . 
But  if  such  longing  and  so  sore  the  heart  within  you  hath, 
O'ertop  yon  ridge  and  I  will  set  your  feet  in  easy  path." 

He  spake  and  footed  it  afore,  and  showeth  from  above 

The  shining  meads  ;  and  thence  away  from  hill-top  down  they  move. 

But  Sire  Anchises  deep  adown  in  green-grown  valley  lay, 

And  on  the  spirits  prisoned  there,  but  soon  to  wend  to-day,  680 

Was  gazing  with  a  fond  desire  :  of  all  his  coming  ones 

There  was  he  reckoning  up  the  tale,  and  well-loved  sons  of  sons  : 

Their  fate,  their  haps,  their  ways  of  life,  their  deeds  to  come  to  pass. 

But  when  he  saw  JEneas  now  draw  nigh  athwart  the  grass, 

He  stretched  forth  either  palm  to  him  all  eager,  and  the  tears 

Poured  o'er  his  cheeks,  and  speech  withal  forth  from  his  mouth  there  fares 

"  O  come  at  last,  and  hath  the  love,  thy  father  hoped  for,  won 
O'er  the  hard  way,  and  may  I  now  look  on  thy  face,  O  son, 
And  give  and  take  with  thee  in  talk,  and  hear  the  words  I  know  ? 


IS8  THE  ^ENEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

So  verily  my  mind  forebode,  I  deemed  'twas  coming  so,  690 

And  counted  all  the  days  thereto ;  nor  was  my  longing  vain. 

And  now  I  have  thee,  son,  borne  o'er  what  lands,  how  many  a  main  1 

How  tossed  about  on  every  side  by  every  peril  still ! 

Ah,  how  I  feared  lest  Libyan  land  should  bring  thee  unto  ill !  " 

Then  he :  "  O  father,  thou  it  was,  thine  image  sad  it  was, 
That,  coming  o'er  and  o'er  again,  drave  me  these  doors  to  pass : 
My  ships  lie  in  the  Tyrrhene  salt  —  ah,  give  the  hand  I  lack  ! 
Give  it,  my  father ;  neither  thus  from  my  embrace  draw  back  !  " 

His  face  was  wet  with  plenteous  tears  e'en  as  the  word  he  spake, 
And  thrice  the  neck  of  him  beloved  he  strove  in  arms  to  take  ;  700 

And  thrice  away  from  out  his  hands  the  gathered  image  streams, 
E'en  as  the  breathing  of  the  wind  or  winged  thing  of  dreams. 

But  down  amid  a  hollow  dale  meanwhile  ^Eneas  sees 

A  secret  grove,  a  thicket  fair,  with  murmuring  of  the  trees, 

And  Lethe's  stream  that  all  along  that  quiet  place  doth  wend  ; 

O'er  which  there  hovered  countless  folks  and  peoples  without  end  : 

And  as  when  bees  amid  the  fields  in  summer-tide  the  bright 

Settle  on  diverse  flowery  things,  and  round  the  lilies  white 

Go  streaming ;  so  the  fields  were  filled  with  mighty  murmuring. 

Unlearned  ^Eneas  fell  aquake  at  such  a  wondrous  thing,  710 

And  asketh  what  it  all  may  mean,  what  rivers  these  may  be, 

And  who  the  men  that  fill  the  banks  with  such  a  company. 

Then  spake  Anchises :  "  These  are  souls  to  whom  fate  oweth  now 

New  bodies :  there  they  drink  the  draught  by  Lethe's  quiet  flow, 

The  draught  that  is  the  death  of  care,  the  long  forgetfulness. 

And  sure  to  teach  thee  of  these  things,  and  show  thee  all  their  press, 

And  of  mine  offspring  tell  the  tale,  for  long  have  I  been  fain, 

That  thou  with  me  mightst  more  rejoice  in  thine  Italia's  gain." 


BOOK  VI.  159 

"  O  Father,  may  we  think  it  then,  that  souls  may  get  them  hence 

To  upper  air  and  take  once  more  their  bodies'  hinderance  ?  720 

How  can  such  mad  desire  be  to  win  the  worldly  day  ? " 

"  Son,  I  shall  tell  thee  all  thereof,  nor  hold  thee  on  the  way." 
Therewith  he  takes  the  tale  and  all  he  openeth  orderly : 

"  In  the  beginning :  earth  and  sky  and  flowing  fields  of  sea, 

And  stars  that  Titan  fashioned  erst,  and  gleaming  moony  ball, 

An  inward  spirit  nourisheth,  one  soul  is  shed  through  all, 

That  quickeneth  all  the  mass,  and  with  the  mighty  thing  is  blent : 

Thence  are  the  lives  of  men  and  beasts  and  flying  creatures  sent, 

And  whatsoe'er  the  sea-plain  bears  beneath  its  marble  face  j 

Quick  in  these  seeds  is  might  of  fire  and  birth  of  heavenly  place,         730 

Ere  earthly  bodies'  baneful  weight  upon  them  comes  to  lie, 

Ere  limbs  of  earth  bewilder  them  and  members  made  to  die. 

Hence  fear  they  have,  and  love,  and  joy,  and  grief,  and  ne'er  may  find 

The  face  of  heaven  amid  the  dusk  and  prison  strait  and  blind : 

Yea,  e'en  when  out  of  upper  day  their  life  at  last  is  borne, 

Not  all  the  ill  of  wretched  men  is  utterly  outworn, 

Not  all  the  bane  their  bodies  bred ;  and  sure  in  wondrous  wise 

The  plenteous  ill  they  bore  so  long  engrained  in  them  it  lies  : 

So  therefore  are  they  worn  by  woes  and  pay  for  ancient  wrong  : 

And  some  of  them  are  hung  aloft  the  empty  winds  among ;  740 

And  some,  their  stain  of  wickedness  amidst  the  water's  heart 

Is  washed  away ;  amidst  the  fire  some  leave  their  worser  part ; 

And  each  his  proper  death  must  bear :  then  through  Elysium  wide 

Are  we  sent  forth ;  a  scanty  folk  in  joyful  fields  we  bide, 

Till  in  the  fulness  of  the  time,  the  day  that  long  hath  been 

Hath  worn  away  the  inner  stain  and  left  the  spirit  clean, 

A  heavenly  essence,  a  fine  flame  of  all  unmingled  air. 

All  these  who  now  have  turned  the  wheel  for  many  and  many  a  year 

God  calleth  unto  Lethe's  flood  in  mighty  company, 


160  THE  ^ENEIDS  OF  VIRGIL. 

That  they,  remembering  nought  indeed,  the  upper  air  may  see  750 

Once  more,  and  long  to  turn  aback  to  worldly  life  anew." 

Anchises  therewithal  his  son,  and  her  the  Sibyl  drew 
Amid  the  concourse,  the  great  crowd  that  such  a  murmuring  sent, 
And  took  a  mound  whence  they  might  see  the  spirits  as  they  went 
In  long  array,  and  learn  each  face  as  'neath  their  eyes  it  came. 

"  Come  now,  and  I  of  Dardan  folk  will  tell  the  following  fame, 

And  what  a  folk  from  Italy  the  world  may  yet  await, 

Most  glorious  souls,  to  bear  our  name  adown  the  ways  of  fate. 

Yea,  I  will  set  it  forth  in  words,  and  thou  thy  tale  shalt  hear : 

Lo  ye,  the  youth  that  yonder  leans  upon  the  headless  spear,  760 

Fate  gives  him  nighest  place  to-day ;  he  first  of  all  shall  rise, 

Blent  blood  of  Troy  and  Italy,  unto  the  earthly  skies : 

Silvius  is  he,  an  Alban  name,  thy  son,  thy  latest  born ; 

He  whom  thy  wife  Lavinia  now,  when  thin  thy  life  is  worn, 

Beareth  in  woods  to  be  a  king  and  get  a  kingly  race, 

Whence  comes  the  lordship  of  our  folk  within  the  Long  White  Place. 

And  Procas  standeth  next  to  him,  the  Trojan  people's  fame ; 

Then  Capys,  Numitor,  and  he  who  bringeth  back  thy  name, 

Silvius  ^Eneas,  great  in  war,  and  great  in  godliness, 

If  ever  he  in  that  White  Stead  may  bear  the  kingdom's  stress.  770 

Lo  ye,  what  youths  !  what  glorious  might  unto  thine  eyes  is  shown  1 

But  they  who  shade  their  temples  o'er  with  civic  oaken  crown, 

These  build  for  thee  Momentum's  walls,  and  Gabii,  and  the  folk 

Fidenian,  and  the  mountains  load  with  fair  Collatia's  yoke  : 

Pometii,  Bola,  Cora,  there  shall  rise  beneath  their  hands, 

And  Inuus'  camp :  great  names  shall  spring  amid  the  nameless  lands. 

"  Then  Mavors'  child  shall  come  on  earth,  his  grandsire  following, 
When  Ilia's  womb,  Assaracus'  own  blood,  to  birth  shall  bring 
That  Romulus :  —  lo,  see  ye  not  the  twin  crests  on  his  head. 


BOOK  VI.  161 

And  how  the  Father  hallows  him  for  day  with  his  own  dread  780 

E'en  now  ?    Lo,  son !  those  signs  of  his ;  lo,  that  renowned  Rome ! 

Whose  lordship  filleth  all  the  earth,  whose  heart  Olympus'  home, 

And  with  begirdling  of  her  wall  girds  seven  great  burgs  to  her, 

Rejoicing  in  her  man-born  babes  :  e'en  as  the  Earth-Mother 

Amidst  the  Phrygian  cities  goes  with  car  and  towered  crown, 

Glad  in  the  Gods,  whom  hundredfold  she  kisseth  for  her  own, 

All  heaven-abiders,  all  as  kings  within  the  house  of  air. 

Ah,  turn  thine  eyeballs  hitherward,  look  on  this  people  here, 

Thy  Roman  folk !     Lo  Caesar  now  !     Lo  all  lulus'  race, 

Who  'neath  the  mighty  vault  of  heaven  shall  dwell  in  coming  days.     790 

And  this  is  he,  this  is  the  man  thou  oft  hast  heard  foretold, 

Augustus  Caesar,  sprung  from  God  to  bring  the  age  of  gold 

Aback  unto  the  Latin  fields,  where  Saturn  once  was  king. 

Yea,  and  the  Garamantian  folk  and  Indians  shall  he  bring 

Beneath  his  sway :  beyond  the  stars,  beyond  the  course  of  years, 

Beyond  the  Sun-path  lies  the  land,  where  Atlas  heaven  upbears, 

And  on  his  shoulders  turns  the  pole  with  burning  stars  bestrewn. 

Yea,  and  e'en  now  the  Caspian  realms  quake  at  his  coming,  shown 

By  oracles  of  God ;  and  quakes  the  far  Maeotic  mere,  799 

And  sevenfold  Nile  through  all  his  mouths  quakes  in  bewildered  fear. 

Not  so  much  earth  did  Hercules  o'erpass,  though  he  prevailed 

To  pierce  the  brazen-footed  hind,  and  win  back  peace  that  failed 

The  Erymanthus'  wood,  and  shook  Lerna  with  draught  of  bow ; 

Nor  Liber  turning  vine-wreathed  reins  when  he  hath  will  to  go 

Adown  from  Nysa's  lofty  head  in  tiger-yoked  car.  — 

Forsooth  then  shall  we  doubt  but  deeds  shall  spread  our  valour  far  ? 

Shall  fear  forsooth  forbid  us  rest  in  that  Ausonian  land  ? 

"  But  who  is  this,  the  olive-crowned,  that  beareth  in  his  hand 

The  holy  things  ?     I  know  the  hair  and  hoary  beard  of  eld 

Of  him,  the  Roman  king,  who  first  a  law-bound  city  held,  810 

Sent  out  from  little  Cures'  garth,  that  unrich  land  of  his, 


i6z  THE  ^NEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

Unto  a  mighty  lordship :  yea,  and  Tullus  next  is  this, 

Who  breaks  his  country's  sleep  and  stirs  the  slothful  men  to  fight ; 

And  calleth  on  the  weaponed  hosts  unused  to  war's  delight. 

But  next  unto  him  Ancus  fares,  a  boaster  overmuch  ; 

Yea  and  e'en  now  the  people's  breath  too  nigh  his  heart  will  touch. 

And  wilt  thou  see  the  Tarquin  kings  and  Brutus'  lofty  heart, 

And  fasces  brought  aback  again  by  his  avenging  part  ? 

He  first  the  lordship  consular  and  dreadful  axe  shall  take ;  819 

The  father  who  shall  doom  the  sons,  that  war  and  change  would  wake, 

To  pain  of  death,  that  he  thereby  may  freedom's  fairness  save. 

Unhappy !  whatso  tale  of  thee  the  after-time  may  have, 

The  love  of  country  shall  prevail,  and  boundless  lust  of  praise. 

"  Drusi  and  Decii  lo  afar !     On  hard  Torquatus  gaze, 

He  of  the  axe :  Camillus  lo,  the  banner-rescuer  ! 

But  note  those  two  thou  seest  shine  in  arms  alike  and  clear, 

Now  souls  of  friends,  and  so  to  be  while  night  upon  them  weighs : 

Woe's  me !  what  war  shall  they  awake  if  e'er  the  light  of  days 

They  find :  what  host  each  sets  'gainst  each,  what  death-field  shall  they 

dight ! 

The  father  from  the  Alpine  wall,  and  from  Monoecus'  height  830 

Comes  down  j  the  son  against  him  turns  the  East's  embattlement. 
O  children,  in  such  evil  war  let  not  your  souls  be  spent, 
Nor  turn  the  valour  of  your  might  against  the  heart  of  home. 
Thou  first,  refrain,  O  thou  my  blood  from  high  Olympus  come ; 
Cast  thou  the  weapons  from  thine  hand ! 

"  Lo  to  the  Capitol  aloft,  for  Corinth  triumphing, 

One  glorious  with  Achaean  deaths  in  victor's  chariot  goes  ; 

Mycenae,  Agamemnon's  house,  and  Argos  he  o'erthrows, 

Yea  and  ^Eacides  himself  the  great  Achilles'  son  ; 

Avenging  so  the  sires  of  Troy  and  Pallas'  house  undone.  840 

Great  Cato,  can  I  leave  thee  then  untold  ?  pass  Cossus  o'er  ? 


BOOK  VI.  163 

Or  house  of  Gracchus  ?    Yea,  or  ye,  twin  thunderbolts  of  war, 
Ye  Scipios,  bane  of  Libyan  land  ?     Fabricius,  poor  and  strong  ? 
Or  thee,  Serranus,  casting  seed  adown  the  furrows  long  ? 
Fabii,  where  drive  ye  me  outworn  ?    Thou  Greatest,  thou  art  he, 
Who  bringest  back  thy  country's  weal  by  tarrying  manfully. 

"  Others,  I  know,  more  tenderly  may  beat  the  breathing  brass, 

And  better  from  the  marble  block  bring  living  looks  to  pass  ; 

Others  may  better  plead  the  cause,  may  compass  heaven's  face, 

And  mark  it  out,  and  tell  the  stars,  their  rising  and  their  place  :  850 

But  thou,  O  Roman,  look  to  it  the  folks  of  earth  to  sway ; 

For  this  shall  be  thine  handicraft,  peace  on  the  world  to  lay, 

To  spare  the  weak,  to  wear  the  proud  by  constant  weight  of  war." 

So  mid  their  marvelling  he  spake,  and  added  furthermore : 

"  Marcellus  lo !  'neath  Spoils  of  Spoils  how  great  and  glad  he  goes, 

And  overtops  all  heroes  there,  the  vanquisher  of  foes : 

Yea,  he  shall  prop  the  Roman  weal  when  tumult  troubleth  all, 

And  ride  amid  the  Punic  ranks,  and  crush  the  rising  Gaul, 

And  hang  in  sire  Quirinus'  house  the  third  war-taken  gear." 

Then  spake  ^Eneas,  for  he  saw  following  Marcellus  near  860 

A  youth  of  beauty  excellent,  with  gleaming  arms  bedight, 

Yet  little  glad  of  countenance  with  eyes  that  shunned  the  light : 

"  O  father,  who  is  he  that  wends  beside  the  hero's  hem, 

His  son  belike,  or  some  one  else  from  out  that  mighty  stem  ? 

What  murmuring  of  friends  about !     How  mighty  is  he  made ! 

But  black  Night  fluttereth  over  him  with  woeful  mirky  shade." 

Thet  midst  the  rising  of  his  tears  father  Anchises  spoke : 

"  O  son,  search  not  the  mighty  woe  and  sorrow  of  thy  folk  ! 

The  Fates  shall  show  him  to  the  world,  nor  longer  blossoming 

Shall  give.     O  Gods  that  dwell  on  high,  belike  o'ergreat  a  thing          870 

The  Roman  tree  should  seem  to  you,  should  this  your  gift  endure ! 


164  THE  yENEIDS   OF  VIRGIL.' 

How  great  a  wail  of  mighty  men  that  Field  of  Fame  shall  pour 

On  Mayors'  mighty  city  walls  :  what  death-rites  seest  thou  there, 

O  Tiber,  as  thou  glidest  by  his  new-wrought  tomb  and  fair ! 

No  child  that  is  of  Ilian  stock  in  Latin  sires  shall  raise 

Such  glorious  hope ;  nor  shall  the  land  of  Romulus  e'er  praise 

So  fair  and  great  a  nursling  child  mid  all  it  ever  bore. 

Goodness,  and  faith  of  ancient  days,  and  hand  unmatched  in  war, 

Alas  for  all !     No  man  unhurt  had  raised  a  weaponed  hand 

Against  him,  whether  he  afoot  had  met  the  foeman's  band,  88c 

Or  smitten  spur  amid  the  flank  of  eager  foaming  horse. 

O  child  of  all  men's  ruth,  if  thou  the  bitter  Fates  mayst  force, 

Thou  art  Marcellus.     Reach  ye  hands  of  lily-blooms  fulfilled  ; 

For  I  will  scatter  purple  flowers,  and  heap  such  offerings  spilled 

Unto  the  spirit  of  my  child,  and  empty  service  do." 

Thereafter  upon  every  side  they  strayed  that  country  through, 

Amid  wide-spreading  airy  meads,  and  sight  of  all  things  won. 

But  after  old  Anchises  now  through  all  had  led  his  son, 

And  kindled  love  within  his  heart  of  fame  that  was  to  be, 

Then  did  he  tell  him  of  the  wars  that  he  himself  should  see,  89* 

And  of  Laurentian  peoples  taught,  and  town  of  Latin  folk ; 

And  how  from  every  grief  to  flee,  or  how  to  bear  its  stroke. 

Now  twofold  are  the  Gates  of  Sleep,  whereof  the  one,  men  say, 
Is  wrought  of  horn,  and  ghosts  of  sooth  thereby  win  easy  way, 
The  other  clean  and  smooth  is  wrought  of  gleaming  ivory, 
But  lying  dreams  the  nether  Gods  send  up  to  heaven  thereby. 
All  said,  Anchises  on  his  son  and  Sibyl-maid  doth  wait 
Unto  the  last,  and  sends  them  up  by  that  same  ivory  gate. 
He  wears  the  way  and  gains  his  fleet  and  fellow-folk  once  more. 

So  for  Caieta's  haven-mouth  by  straightest  course  they  bore,  900 

Till  fly  the  anchors  from  the  bows  and  sterns  swing  round  ashore. 


BOOK     VII. 


ARGUMENT. 

ANEAS  AND  HIS  TROJANS  TAKE  LAND  BY  THE  TIBER-MOUTH,  AND  KIN<J 
LATINUS  PLIGHTETH  PEACE  WITH  THEM  ;  WHICH  PEACE  IS  BROKEN  BY 
THE  WILL  OF  JUNO,  AND  ALL  MEN  MAKE  THEM  READY  FOR  WAR. 

HTHOU  also,  O  ^Eneas'  nurse,  Caieta,  didst  avail, 

E'en  dying,  unto  these  our  shores  to  leave  a  deathless  tale : 
And  yet  thy  glory  guards  the  place,  thy  bones  have  won  it  name 
Within  the  great  Hesperian  land,  if  that  be  prize  of  fame. 

But  good  ^Eneas,  when  at  last  all  funeral  rites  were  paid 

And  the  grave  heaped,  when  in  a  while  the  ocean's  face  was  laid, 

Went  on  his  way  with  sails  aloft,  and  left  the  port  behind  r 

The  faint  winds  breathe  about  the  night,  the  moon  shines  clear  and  kind  ; 

Beneath  the  quivering  shining  road  the  wide  seas  gleaming'  lie: 

But  next  the  beach  of  Circe's  land  their  swift  ships  glide  anigh,  10 

Where  the  rich  daughter  of  the  Sun  with  constant  song  doth  rouse 

The  groves  that  none  may  enter  in,  or  in  her  glorious  house 

Burneth  the  odorous  cedar-torch  amidst  the  dead  of  night, 

While  through  the  slender  warp  she  speeds  the  shrilling  shuttle  light. 

And  thence  they  hear  the  sound  of  groans,  and  wrath  of  lions  dread 

Fretting  their  chains  ;  and  roaring  things  o'er  night-tide  fallen  dead  ; 

And  bristled  swine  and  caged  bears  cried  bitter-wild,  and  sore  ; 

And  from  the  shapes  of  monstrous  wolves  the  howling  seaward  bore. 

These  from  the  likeness  of  mankind  had  cruel  Circe  won 

By  herbs  of  might,  and  shape  and  hide  of  beasts  upon  them  done.         20 


166  THE  ^ENEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

But  lest  the  godly  Trojan  folk  such  wickedness  should  bear, 
Lest  borne  into  the  baneful  bay  they  bring  their  keels  o'er  near, 
Their  sails  did  Father  Neptune  fill  with  fair  and  happy  breeze, 
And  sped  their  flight  and  sent  them  swift  across  the  hurrying  seas. 

Now  reddened  all  the  sea  with  rays,  and  from  the  heavenly  plain 

The  golden-hued  Aurora  shone  amidst  her  rosy  wain, 

Then  fell  the  winds  and  every  air  sank  down  in  utter  sleep, 

And  now  the  shaven  oars  must  strive  amid  the  sluggish  deep : 

Therewith  ^Eneas  sees  a  wood  rise  from  the  water's  face, 

And  there  it  is  the  Tiber's  flood  amidst  a  pleasant  place,  30 

With  many  a  whirling  eddy  swift  and  yellowing  with  sand 

Breaks  into  sea ;  and  diversely  above  on  either  hand 

The  fowl  that  love  the  river-bank  and  haunt  the  river-bed 

Sweetened  the  air  with  plenteous  song  and  through  the  thicket  fled. 

So  there  ^Eneas  bids  his  folk  shoreward  their  bows  to  lay, 

And  joyfully  he  entereth  in  the  stream's  o'ershadowed  way. 

To  aid,  Erato  !  while  I  tell  what  kings,  what  deedful  tide, 

What  manner  life,  in  Latin  land  did  anciently  abide 

When  first  the  stranger  brought  his  ships  to  that  Ausonian  shore  ; 

Yea  help  me  while  I  call  aback  beginnings  of  the  war.  40 

O  Goddess,  hearten  thou  thy  seer  !  dread  war  my  song-speech  saith  : 

It  tells  the  battle  in  array,  and  kings  full  fain  of  death, 

The  Tyrrhene  host,  all  Italy,  spurred  on  the  sword  to  bear : 

Yea,  greater  matters  are  afoot,  a  mightier  deed  I  stir. 

The  king  Latinus,  old  of  days,  ruled  o'er  the  fields'  increase, 

And  cities  of  the  people  there  at  rest  in  long-drawn  peace  : 

Of  Faunus  and  Laurentian  nymph,  Marica,  do  we  learn 

That  he  was  born  :  but  Faunus  came  of  Picus,  who  must  turn 

To  thee,  O  Saturn,  for  his  sire :  'twas  he  that  blood  began. 

Now,  as  God  would,  this  king  had  got  no  son  to  grow  a  man,  50 


BOOK  VII.  167 

For  he  who  first  had  dawned  on  him  in  earliest  youth  had  waned : 

A  daughter  only  such  a  house,  so  great  a  world  sustained, 

Now  ripe  for  man,  the  years  fulfilled  that  made  her  meet  for  bed : 

And  her  much  folk  of  Latin  land  were  fain  enow  to  wed, 

And  all  Ausonia  :  first  of  whom,  and  fairest  to  be  seen, 

Was  Turnus,  great  from  fathers  great ;  and  him  indeed  the  queen 

Was  fain  of  for  her  son-in-law  with  wondrous  love  of  heart : 

Bat  dreadful  portents  of  the  Gods  the  matter  thrust  apart. 

Amidmost  of  the  inner  house  a  laurel-tree  upbore 

Its  hallowed  leaves,  that  fear  of  God  had  kept  through  years  of  yore  :    60 

Father  Latinus  first,  they  said,  had  found  it  there,  when  he 

Built  there  his  burg  and  hallowed  it  to  Phoebus'  deity, 

And  on  Laurentian  people  thence  the  name  thereof  had  laid ; 

On  whose  top  now  the  gathered  bees,  O  wondrous  to  be  said  ! 

Borne  on  with  mighty  humming  noise  amid  the  flowing  air, 

Had  settled  down,  and  foot  to  foot  all  interwoven  there, 

In  sudden  swarm  they  hung  adown  from  off  the  leafy  bough. 

But  straight  the  seer  cries  out :  "  Ah  me !  I  see  him  coming  now, 

The  stranger  man  ;  I  see  a  host  from  that  same  quarter  come 

To  this  same  quarter,  to  be  lords  amidst  our  highest  home."  70 

But  further,  while  the  altar-fires  she  feeds  with  virgin  brands, 

The  maid  Lavinia,  and  beside  her  ancient  father  stands, 

Out !  how  along  her  length  of  hair  the  grasp  of  fire  there  came, 

And  all  the  tiring  of  her  head  was  caught  in  crackling  flame. 

Ani  there  her  royal  tresses  blazed,  and  blazed  her  glorious  crown 

G  MI  wrought,  and  she  one  cloud  of  smoke  and  yellow  fire  was  grown  : 

And  wrapped  therein,  the  fiery  God  she  scattered  through  the  house  : 

And  sure  it  seemed  a  dreadful  thing,  a  story  marvellous : 

For  they  fell  singing  she  should  grow  glorious  of  fame  and  fate, 

But  unto  all  her  folk  should  be  the  seed  of  huge  debate.  80 


168  THE  ^ENEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

So  troubled  by  this  tokening  dread  forth  fareth  now  the  king 

To  Faunas'  fane,  his  father-seer,  to  ask  him  counselling 

'Neath  Albunea  the  high,  whose  wood,  the  thicket  most  of  worth, 

Resoundeth  with  the  holy  well  and  breathes  the  sulphur  forth. 

From  whence  the  folk  of  Italy  and  all  CEnotrian  land 

Seek  rede  amidst  of  troublous  time.     Here,  when  the  priest  in  hand 

Hath  borne  the  gifts,  and  laid  him  down  amidst  the  hush  of  night 

On  the  strown  fells  of  slaughtered  ewes,  and  sought  him  sleep  aright, 

He  seeth  wondrous  images  about  him  flit  and  shift, 

He  hearkeneth  many  a  changing  voice,  of  talk  with  Gods  hath  gift,       90 

And  holdeth  speech  with  Acheron,  from  deep  Avernus  come. 

There  now  the  sire  Latinus  went  seeking  the  answers  home, 

And  there  an  hundred  woolly  ewes  in  order  due  did  slay, 

And  propped  upon  the  fells  thereof  on  bed  of  fleeces  lay, 

Till  from  the  thicket's  inner  depths  the  sudden  answer  came : 

"  Seek  not  thy  daughter,  O  my  son,  to  wed  to  Latin  name ; 

Unto  the  bridal  set  on  foot  let  not  thy  troth  be  given : 

Thy  sons  are  coming  over  sea  to  raise  our  blood  to  heaven, 

And  sons  of  sons'  sons  from  their  stem  shall  see  beneath  their  feet 

All  things  for  them  to  shift  and  doom ;  all  things  the  sun  may  meet,    100 

As  to  and  fro  he  wendeth  way  'twixt  either  ocean  wave." 

Such  warnings  of  the  silent  night  that  father  Faunus  gave, 
Shut  up  betwixt  his  closed  lips  Latinus  held  no  whit, 
But  through  Ausonia  flying  fame  had  borne  the  noise  of  it, 
When  that  Laomedontian  folk  at  last  had  moored  their  ships 
Unto  the  grassy-mounded  bank  whereby  the  river  slips. 

yEneas  and  lulus  fair,  and  all  their  most  and  best, 

Beneath  a  tall  tree's  boughs  had  laid  their  bodies  down  to  rest : 

They  dight  the  feast ;  about  the  grass  on  barley-cakes  they  lay 

What  meat  they  had,  —  for  even  so  Jove  bade  them  do  that  day,  —       no 

And  on  the  ground  that  Ceres  gave  the  woodland  apples  pile. 


BOOK  VII.  169 

And  so  it  happed,  that  all  being  spent,  they  turn  them  in  a  while 
To  Ceres'  little  field,  and  eat,  egged  on  by  very  want, 
And  dare  to  waste  with  hands  and  teeth  the  circle  thin  and  scant 
Where  fate  lay  hid,  nor  spare  upon  the  trenchers  wide  to  fall. 

"  Ah ! "  cries  lulus,  "  so  to-day  we  eat  up  board  and  all." 

'Twas  all  his  jest-word ;  but  its  sound  their  labour  slew  at  last, 

And  swift  his  father  caught  it  up,  as  from  his  mouth  it  passed, 

And  stayed  him,  by  the  might  of  God  bewildered  utterly.  119 

Then  forthwith  :  "  Hail,"  he  cried,  "  O  land  that  Fate  hath  owed  to  me ! 

And  ye,  O  House-gods  of  our  Troy,  hail  ye,  O  true  and  kind ! 

This  is  your  house,  this  is  your  land :  my  father,  as  I  mind, 

Such  secrets  of  the  deeds  of  Fate  left  me  in  days  of  yore : 

*  O  son,  when  hunger  driveth  thee  stranded  on  outland  shore 

To  eat  the  very  boards  beneath  thy  victual  scant  at  need, 

There  hope  for  house,  O  weary  one,  and  in  that  place  have  heed 

To  set  hand  first  unto  the  roof,  and  heap  the  garth  around.' 

So  this  will  be  that  hunger-tide :  this  waited  us  to  bound 

Our  wasting  evils  at  the  last. 

So  come,  and  let  us  joyfully  upon  the  first  of  dawn  130 

Seek  out  the  land,  what  place  it  is,  what  men-folk  there  abide, 

And  where  their  city ;  diversely  leaving  the  haven-side. 

But  now  pour  out  the  bowls  to  Jove,  send  prayer  upon  the  way 

To  sire  Anchises,  and  the  wine  again  on  table  lay." 

He  spake,  and  with  the  leafy  bough  his  temples  garlanded, 

And  to  the  Spirit  of  the  Soil  forthwith  the  prayer  he  said, 

To  Earth,  the  eldest-born  of  Gods,  to  Nymphs,  to  Streams  unknown 

As  yet :  he  called  upon  the  Night,  and  night-tide's  signs  new  shown ; 

Idaean  Jove,  the  Phrygian  Queen,  the  Mother,  due  and  well 

He  called  on ;  and  his  parents  twain  in  Heaven  and  in  Hell.  140 

But  thrice  the  Almighty  Father  then  from  cloudless  heaven  on  high 


170  THE  ^ENEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

Gave  thunder,  showing  therewithal  the  glory  of  his  sky 
All  burning  with  the  golden  gleam,  and  shaken  by  his  hand. 
Then  sudden  rumour  ran  abroad  amid  the  Trojan  band, 
That  now  the  day  was  come  about  their  fateful  walls  to  raise ; 
So  eagerly  they  dight  the  feast,  gladdened  by  omen's  grace, 
And  bring  the  beakers  forth  thereto  and  garland  well  the  wine. 

But  when  the  morrow's  lamp  of  dawn  across  the  earth  'gan  shine, 

The  shore,  the  fields,  the  towns  of  folk  they  search,  wide  scattering : 

And  here  they  come  across  the  pools  of  that  Numician  spring :  150 

This  is  the  Tiber-flood ;  hereby  the  hardy  Latins  dwell. 

But  therewithal  Anchises'  seed  from  out  them  chose  him  well 

An  hundred  sweet-mouthed  men  to  go  unto  the  walls  renowned, 

Where  dwelt  the  king,  and  every  one  with  Pallas'  olive  crowned, 

To  carry  gifts  unto  the  lord  and  peace  for  Teucrians  pray. 

So,  bidden,  nought  they  tarry  now,  but  swift-foot  wear  the  way. 

But  he  himself  marks  out  the  walls  with  shallow  ditch  around, 
And  falls  to  work  upon  the  shore  his  first  abode  to  found, 
In  manner  of  a  camp,  begirt  with  bank  and  battlement. 

Meanwhile  his  men  beheld  at  last,  when  all  the  way  was  spent,  160 

The  Latin  towers  and  roofs  aloft,  and  drew  the  walls  anigh : 

There  were  the  lads  and  flower  of  youth  afield  the  city  by 

Backing  the  steed,  or  mid  the  dust  a-steering  of  the  car, 

Or  bending  of  the  bitter  bow,  hurling  tough  darts  afar 

By  strength  of  arm ;  for  foot  or  fist  crying  the  challenging. 

Then  fares  a  well-horsed  messenger,  who  to  the  ancient  king 

Bears  tidings  of  tall  new-comers  in  outland  raiment  clad : 

So  straight  Latinus  biddeth  them  within  his  house  be  had, 

And  he  upon  his  father's  throne  sat  down  amidmost  there. 

High  on  an  hundred  pillars  stood  that  mighty  house  and  fair,  170 


BOOK  VII.  171 

High  in  the  burg,  the  dwelling-place  Laurentian  Picus  won, 

Awful  with  woods,  and  worshipping  of  sires  of  time  agone : 

Here  was  it  wont  for  kings  to  take  the  sceptre  in  their  hand, 

Here  first  to  raise  the  axe  of  doom :  'twas  court-house  of  the  land, 

This  temple,  and  the  banquet-hall ;  here  when  the  host  was  slain 

The  fathers  at  the  endlong  boards  would  sit  the  feast  to  gain. 

There  too  were  dight  in  cedar  old  the  sires  of  ancient  line : 

For  there  was  fashioned  Italus,  and  he  who  set  the  vine, 

Sabinus,  holding  yet  in  hand  the  image  of  the  hook ; 

And  Saturn  old,  and  imaging  of  Janus'  double  look,  180 

Stood  in  the  porch  ;  and  many  a  king  was  there  from  ancient  tide, 

Who  in  their  country's  battle  erst  the  wounds  of  Mars  would  bide : 

And  therewithal  were  many  arms  hung  on  the  holy  door. 

There  hung  the  axes  crooked-horned,  and  taken  wains  of  war, 

And  crested  helms,  and  bolts  and  locks  that  city-gates  had  borne ; 

And  spears  and  shields,  and  thrusting-beaks  from  ships  of  battle  torn. 

There  with  Quirinus'  crooked  staff,  girt  in  the  shortened  gown, 

With  target  in  his  left  hand  held,  was  Picus  set  adown,  — 

The  horse-tamer,  whom  Circe  fair,  caught  with  desire  erewhile, 

Smote  with  that  golden  rod  of  hers,  and,  sprinkling  venom's  guile,       190 

Made  him  a  fowl,  and  colours  fair  blent  on  his  shifting  wings. 

In  such  a  temple  of  the  Gods,  in  such  a  house  of  kings, 

Latinus  sat  when  he  had  called  those  Teucrian  fellows  in, 

And  from  his  quiet  mouth  and  grave  such  converse  did  begin : 

"  What  seek  ye,  sons  of  Dardanus  ?  for  not  unknown  to  me 

Is  that  your  city  or  your  blood ;  and  how  ye  crossed  the  sea, 

That  have  I  heard.     But  these  your  ships,  what  counsel  or  what  lack 

Hath  borne  them  to  Ausonian  strand  o'er  all  the  blue  sea's  back  ? 

If  ye  have  strayed  from  out  your  course,  or,  driven  by  stormy  tide 

(For  such  things  oft  upon  the  sea  must  seafarers  abide),  200 

Have  entered  these  our  river-banks  in  haven  safe  to  lie, 

Flee  net  our  welcome,  nor  unknown  the  Latin  folk  pass  by ; 


i72  THE  ^ENEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

The  seed  of  Saturn,  bound  to  right  by  neither  law  nor  chain, 

But  freely  following  in  the  ways  whereof  the  God  was  fain. 

Yea  now  indeed  I  mind  a  tale,  though  now  with  years  outworn, 

How  elders  of  Aurunce  said  that  mid  these  fields  was  born 

That  Dardanus,  who  reached  at  last  the  Phrygian  Ida's  walls, 

And  Thracian  Samos,  that  the  world  now  Samofhracia  calls  : 

From  Tuscan  stead  of  Corythus  he  went  upon  his  ways  ; 

Whose  throne  is  set  in  golden  heaven,  the  star-besprinkled  place,        2 1  o 

Who  adds  one  other  to  the  tale  of  altared  deities." 

He  ended,  but  Ilioneus  followed  in  words  like  these : 

"  O  king,  O  glorious  Faunus'  child,  no  storm  upon  the  main 

Drave  us  amid  the  drift  of  waves  your  country  coast  to  gain  ; 

And  neither  star  nor  strand  made  blind  the  region  of  our  road  ; 

But  we  by  counsel  and  free  will  have  sought  out  thine  abode, 

Outcast  from  such  a  realm  as  once  was  deemed  the  mightiest 

The  Sun  beheld,  as  o'er  the  heaven  she  ran  from  east  to  west. 

Jove  is  the  well-spring  of  our  race ;  the  Dardan  children  joy 

In  Jove  for  father ;  yea,  our  king,  ^Eneas  out  of  Troy,  220 

Who  sends  us  to  thy  door,  himself  is  of  the  Highest's  seed. 

How  great  a  tempest  was  let  loose  o'er  our  Idaean  mead, 

From  dire  Mycenae  sent ;  what  fate  drave  either  clashing  world, 

Europe  and  Asia,  till  the  war  each  against  each  they  hurled, 

His  ears  have  heard,  who  dwells  afar  upon  the  land  alone 

That  ocean  beats ;  and  his  no  less  the  bondman  of  the  zone, 

That  midmost  lieth  of  the  four,  by  cruel  sun-blaze  worn. 

Lo,  from  that  flood  we  come  to  thee,  o'er  waste  of  waters  borne, 

Praying  a  strip  of  harmless  shore  our  House-Gods'  home  to  be, 

And  grace  of  water  and  of  air  to  all  men  lying  free.  230 

We  shall  not  foul  our  land's  renown ;  and  thou,  thy  glory  fair 

We  know,  and  plenteous  fruit  of  thanks  this  deed  of  thine  shall  bear: 

Nor  ever  may  embrace  of  Troy  Ausonia's  soul  despite. 

Now  by  ^Eneas'  fates  I  swear,  and  by  his  hand  of  might, 


BOOK  VII.  173 

Whether  in  troth  it  hath  been  tried,  or  mid  the  hosts  of  war, 

That  many  folks  —  yea,  scorn  us  not  that  willingly  we  bore 

These  fillets  in  our  hands  to-day  with  words  beseeching  peace  — 

That  many  lands  have  longed  for  us,  and  yearned  for  our  increase. 

But  fate  of  Gods  and  Gods'  command  would  ever  drive  us  home 

To  this  your  land :  this  is  the  place  whence  Dardanus  was  come,         240 

And  hither  now  he  comes  again  :  full  sore  Apollo  drave 

To  Tuscan  Tiber,  and  the  place  of  dread  Numicius'  wave. 

Moreover,  here  some  little  gifts  of  early  days  of  joy 

Giveth  our  king,  a  handful  gleaned  from  burning-tide  of  Troy : 

Anchises  at  the  altar  erst  would  pour  from  out  this  gold  ; 

This  was  the  gear  that  Priam  used  when  in  the  guise  of  old 

He  gave  his  gathered  folk  the  law ;  sceptre,  and  holy  crown, 

And  weed  the  work  of  Ilian  wives." 

Now  while  Ilioneus  so  spake  Latinus  held  his  face, 

Musing  and  steadfast,  on  the  ground  setting  his  downcast  gaze,  250 

Rolling  his  eyes  all  thought-fulfilled ;  nor  did  the  broidered  gear 

Of  purple  move  the  King  so  much,  nor  Priam's  sceptre  fair, 

As  on  his  daughter's  bridal  bed  the  thoughts  in  him  had  rest, 

For  ancient  Faunus'  fateful  word  he  turned  within  his  breast. 

Here  was  the  son,  the  fate-foretold,  the  outland  wanderer, 

Called  on  by  equal  doom  of  God  the  equal  throne  to  share ; 

He  from  whose  loins  those  glorious  sons  of  valour  should  come  forth 

To  take  the  whole  world  for  their  own  by  utter  might  of  worth. 

At  last  he  spake  out  joyfully :  "  God  grace  our  deed  begun, 

And  his  own  bidding  !  man  of  Troy,  thine  asking  shall  be  done  :         260 

I  take  your  gifts :  nought  shall  ye  lack  from  King  Latinus'  hand, 

Riches  of  Troy,  nor  health  and  wealth  of  fat  and  fruitful  land. 

But  let  ^Eneas  come  himself  if  he  so  yearn  for  me, 

If  he  be  eager  for  our  house,  and  would  our  fellow  be ; 

Nor  let  him  fear  to  look  upon  friends'  faces  close  anigh, 


174  THE  ^ENEIDS  OF  VIRGIL. 

Part  of  the  peace-troth  shall  be  this,  my  hand  in  his  to  lie. 

And  now  bear  back  unto  your  king  this  bidding  that  I  send 

I  have  a  daughter ;  her  indeed  with  countryman  to  blend 

The  answers  of  my  father's  house  forbid,  and  many  a  sign 

Sent  down  from  heaven  :  from  over  sea  comes  one  to  wed  our  line  ;     270 

They  say  this  bideth  Latin  Land ;  a  man  to  raise  our  blood 

Up  to  the  very  stars  of  heaven :  that  this  is  he  fate  would, 

I  think,  yea  hope,  if  any  whit  my  heart  herein  avail." 

He  spake,  and  bade  choose  horses  out  from  all  his  noble  tale, 
Whereof  three  hundred  sleek  and  fair  stood  in  the  stables  high : 
These  biddeth  he  for  Teucrian  men  be  led  forth  presently, 
Wing-footed  purple-bearing  beasts,  with  pictures  o'er  them  flung 
Of  woven  stuff,  and  on  their  breasts  are  golden  collars  hung : 
Gold-housed  are  they,  and  champ  in  teeth  the  yellow-golden  chain : 
But  to  ^Eneas,  absent  thence,  a  car  and  yoke-beasts  twain  280 

He  sends  :  the  seed  of  heaven  are  they,  and  breathing  very  fire, 
The  blood  of  those  that  Circe  stole  when  she  beguiled  her  sire, 
That  crafty  mistress,  winning  them,  bastards,  from  earthy  mare. 
So  back  again  ^Eneas'  folk  high  on  their  horses  fare, 
Bearing  Latinus'  gifts  and  words,  and  all  the  tale  of  peace. 

But  lo,  where  great  Jove's  bitter  wife  comes  from  the  town  of  Greece, 

From  Argos  wrought  of  Inachus,  and  holds  the  airy  way. 

Far  off  she  sees  ^Eneas'  joy,  and  where  the  ship-host  lay 

Of  Dardans :  yea  from  Sicily  and  far  Pachynus  head 

She  seeth  him  on  earth  at  last  and  raising  roofed  stead,  290 

And  all  the  ships  void :  fixed  she  stood,  smit  through  with  bitter  wrath, 

And  shook  her  head  :  then  from  her  breast  the  angry  words  came  forth : 

"  Ah,  hated  race !     Ah,  Phrygian  fates  that  shear  my  fates  atwain  J 
Was  there  no  dead  man's  place  for  you  on  that  Sigean  plain  ? 
Had  ye  no  might  to  wend  as  slaves  ?  gave  Troy  so  poor  a  flame 


BOOK  VII.  175 

To  burn  her  men,  that  through  the  fire  and  through  the  swords  ye  came  ? 

I  think  at  last  my  godhead's  might  is  wearied  and  gone  by, 

That  I  have  drunk  enough  of  hate,  and  now  at  rest  may  lie :  — 

I,  who  had  heart  to  follow  up  those  outcasts  from  their  land, 

And  as  they  fled  o'er  all  the  sea  still  in  their  path  would  stand.  300 

Against  these  Teucrians  sea  and  sky  have  spent  their  strength  for  nought : 

Was  Syrtes  aught,  or  Scylla  aught,  or  huge  Charybdis  aught  ? 

Lo  now  the  longed-for  Tiber's  breast  that  nation  cherisheth 

Safe  from  the  deep  and  safe  from  me :  while  Mars  might  do  to  death 

Those  huge-wrought  folk  of  Lapithae :  the  very  Father-God 

Gave  up  the  ancient  Calydon  to  Dian's  wrath  and  rod. 

What  was  the  guilt  of  Lapithae  ?  what  crime  wrought  Calydon  ? 

But  I,  the  mighty  spouse  of  Jove,  who  nought  have  left  undone 

My  evil  hap  might  compass,  I  who  ran  through  all  craft's  tale 

Am  vanquished  of  ^Eneas  now.     But  if  of  no  avail  310 

My  godhead  be,  I  will  not  spare  to  pray  what  is  of  might, 

Since  Heaven  I  move  not,  needs  must  I  let  loose  the  Nether  Night. 

Ah !  say  it  is  not  fated  me  the  Latin  realm  to  ban, 

Lavinia  must  be  fated  wife  of  this  same  Trojan  man, 

Yet  may  I  draw  out  time  at  least,  and  those  great  things  delay ; 

At  least  may  I  for  either  king  an  host  of  people  slay : 

For  father  and  for  son-in-law  shall  plenteous  price  be  paid, 

With  Trojan  and  Rutulian  blood  shalt  thou  be  dowered,  O  maid; 

Bellona's  self  shall  bridal  thee  :  not  Cisseus'  seed  alone 

Was  big  with  brand  ;  not  she  alone  with  wedding-ring  has  shone :        320 

Yea,  and  this  too  is  Venus'  child ;  another  Paris  comes 

To  kindle  deadly  torch  again  in  new-born  Trojan  homes." 

So  spake  she  terrible,  and  sank  into  the  earth  below, 
Yea  to  the  nether  night,  and  stirred  Alecto,  forge  of  woe, 
From  the  dread  Goddesses'  abode :  sad  wars  she  loveth  well, 
And  murderous  wrath,  and  lurking  guile,  and  evil  deeds  and  fell : 
E'en  Pluto  loathes  her ;  yea,  e'en  they  of  that  Tartarean  place. 


176  THE  ^ENEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

Her  sisters,  hate  her :  sure  she  hath  as  many  a  changing  face, 

As  many  a  cruel  body's  form,  as  her  black  snakes  put  forth. 

To  whom  in  such  wise  Juno  spake  and  whetted  on  her  wrath :  330 

"  Win  me  a  work  after  thine  heart,  O  Virgin  of  the  night, 

Lest  all  my  fame,  unstained  of  old,  my  glory  won  aright, 

Give  place :  lest  there  Eneas'  sons  Latinus  overcome 

By  wedlock,  and  in  Italy  set  up  their  house  and  home : 

Thou,  who  the  brothers  of  one  heart  canst  raise  up  each  'gainst  each, 

And  overturn  men's  homes  with  hate,  and  through  the  house-walls'  breach 

Bear  in  the  stroke  and  deadly  brand  —  a  thousand  names  hast  thou,  — 

A  thousand  arts  of  ill :  Stir  up  thy  fruitful  bosom  now  ; 

Be  render  of  the  plighted  peace  ;  of  war-seed  be  the  sower  ;  339 

That  men  may  yearn  for  arms,  and  ask,  and  snatch  in  one  same  hour." 

Thereon  Alecto,  steeped  at  heart  with  Gorgon  venoming, 

Sought  Latium  first  and  high-built  house  of  that  Laurentian  king, 

And  by  the  silent  threshold  stood  whereby  Amata  lay, 

In  whose  hot  heart  a  woman's  woe  and  woman's  wrath  did  play, 

About  those  Teucrian  new-comers  and  Turnus'  bridal  bed  : 

On  her  she  cast  an  adder  blue,  a  tress  from  off  her  head, 

And  sent  it  to  her  breast  to  creep  her  very  heart-strings  through, 

That  she,  bewildered  by  the  bane,  may  all  the  house  undo. 

So  he  betwixt  her  bosom  smooth  and  dainty  raiment  slid, 

And  crawled  as  if  he  touched  her  nought,  and  maddened  her  yet  hid,  350 

And  breathed  the  adder's  soul  in  her :  the  dreadful  wormy  thing 

Seemed  the  wrought  gold  about  her  neck,  or  the  long  silken  string 

That  knit  her  hair,  and  slippery  soft  it  glided  o'er  her  limbs. 

And  now  while  first  the  plague  begins,  and  soft  the  venom  swims, 

Touching  her  sense,  and  round  her  bones  the  fiery  web  is  pressed, 

Nor  yet  her  soul  had  caught  the  flame  through  all  her  poisoned  breast, 

Still  soft,  and  e'en  as  mothers  will,  she  spake  the  word  and  said 

Her  woes  about  her  daughter's  case,  and  Phrygian  bridal  bed. 


BOOK  VII.  177 

''To  Teucrian  outcasts  shall  our  maid,  Lavinia,  wedded  be? 

0  Father,  hast  thou  nought  of  ruth  of  her,  forsooth,  and  thee  ?  360 
Nor  of  the  mother,  whom  that  man  forsworn  shall  leave  behind, 
Bearing  the  maiden  o'er  the  sea  with  the  first  northern  wind  ? 

Nay,  not  e'en  so  the  Phrygian  herd  pierced  Lacedaemon's  fold, 
And  bore  Ledaean  Helen  off  unto  the  Trojan  hold. 
Nay,  where  is  gone  thine  hallowed  faith,  thy  kinsomeness  of  yore  ? 
Thine  hand  that  oft  to  Turnus'  hand,  thy  kinsman,  promise  bore  ? 
Lo,  if  we  needs  must  seek  a  son  strange  to  the  Latin  folk, 
And  Father  Faunus'  words  on  thee  are  e'en  so  strait  a  yoke, 

1  deem,  indeed,  that  every  land  free  from  our  kingdom's  sway 

Is  stranger  land,  and  even  so  I  deem  the  Gods  would  say :  370 

And  Turnus  comes,  if  we  shall  seek  beginning  of  his  race, 
From  Inachus,  Acrisius  old,  and  mid  Mycenae's  place." 

But  when  she  thus  had  said  in  vain,  and  saw  Latinus  still 

Withstand  her ;  when  all  inwardly  the  maddening  serpent's  ill 

Hath  smitten  through  her  heart  of  hearts  and  passed  through  all  her  frame, 

Then  verily  the  hapless  one,  with  dreadful  things  aflame, 

Raves  through  the  city's  length  and  breadth  in  God-wrought  agonies : 

As  'neath  the  stroke  of  twisted  lash  at  whiles  the  whip-top  flies, 

Which  lads  all  eager  for  the  game  drive,  ever  circling  wide 

Round  some  void  hall ;  it,  goaded  on  beneath  the  strip  of  hide,  380 

From  circle  unto  circle  goes ;  the  silly  childish  throng 

Still  hanging  o'er,  and  wondering  how  the  box-tree  spins  along, 

The  while  their  lashes  make  it  live :  no  quieter  she  ran 

Through  the  mid  city,  borne  amid  fierce  hearts  of  many  a  man. 

Then  in  the  wilderness  she  feigns  the  heart  that  Bacchus  fills, 

And  stirs  a  greater  madness  up,  beginning  greater  ills, 

And  mid  the  leafy  mountain-side  her  daughter  hides  away, 

To  snatch  her  from  the  Teucrian  bed,  the  bridal  torch  to  stay  j 

Foaming :  "  Hail,  Bacchus  1  thou  alone  art  worthy  lord  to  wed 

This  virgin  thing :  for  thee  she  takes  the  spear's  soft-fruited  head,       390 


i78  THE  ^NEIDS  OF  VIRGIL. 

For  thee  she  twinkleth  dancing  feet,  and  feeds  her  holy  hair." 

The  rumour  flies,  and  one  same  rage  all  mother-folk  doth  bear, 

Heart-kindled  by  the  Fury's  ill,  to  roofs  of  all  unrest : 

They  flee  the  house  and  let  the  wind  play  free  o'er  hair  and  breast : 

While  others  fill  the  very  heavens  with  shrilly  quivering  wail, 

And  skin-clad  toss  about  the  spear  the  wreathing  vine-leaves  veil : 

But  she  ablaze  amidst  of  them  upholds  the  fir-lit  flame, 

And  sings  her  daughter's  bridal  song,  and  sings  of  Turnus'  name, 

Rolling  her  blood-shot  eyes  about ;  then  eager  suddenly 

She  shouts :  "  Ho,  mothers !  Latin  wives,  wherever  ye  may  be,  400 

Hearken !  if  in  your  righteous  souls  abideth  any  love 

Of  lorn  Amata ;  if  your  souls  a  mother's  right  may  move, 

Cast  off  the  fillets  from  your  locks,  with  me  the  madness  bear." 

So  through  the  woodland  wilderness  and  deserts  of  the  deer 

Alecto  drave  the  Queen  around,  with  Bacchus'  stings  beset 

But  when  she  deemed  enough  was  wrought  that  rage  of  hers  to  whet, 

And  that  Latinus'  rede  and  house  was  utterly  undone, 

Forthwith  away  on  dusky  wings  is  borne  that  evil  one 

Unto  the  bold  Rutulian's  wall :  a  city,  saith  the  tale, 

Raised  up  by  Danae  for  her  Acrisian  folks'  avail  410 

When  on  the  hurrying  South  she  fled :  Ardea  in  days  of  yore 

Our  fathers  called  it ;  nor  as  yet  is  name  thereof  passed  o'er, 

Though  wealth  be  gone :  there  Turnus  lay  within  his  house  on  high, 

And  midmost  sleep  of  dusky  night  was  winning  peacefully. 

When  there  Alecto  cruel  face  and  hellish  body  shed, 

And  to  an  ancient  woman's  like  her  shape  she  fashioned, 

Wrinkling  her  forehead  villanous ;  and  hoary  coifed  hair 

She  donned,  and  round  about  it  twined  the  olive-garland  fair, 

And  seemed  the  ancient  Calybe'  of  Juno's  holy  place ; 

And  so  with  such  a  word  she  thrust  before  the  hero's  face  :  420 

"  Turnus,  and  wilt  thou  bear  it  now,  such  labour  spent  in  vain, 


BOOK  VII.  179 

And  give  thy  folk  to  Dardan  men,  the  outcasts  of  the  main  ? 

The  King  gainsays  thy  wedding  couch,  and  dowry  justly  bought 

By  very  blood,  and  for  his  throne  an  outland  heir  is  sought 

Go,  thou  bemocked,  and  thrust  thyself  mid  perils  none  shall  thank  ; 

For  cloaking  of  the  Latin  peace  o'erthrow  the  Tuscan  rank  ! 

The  mighty  Saturn's  Seed  herself  hath  bid  me  openly 

To  bear  thee  this,  while  thou  in  peace  of  middle  night  shouldst  lie. 

So  up !  be  merry !  arm  the  lads !  bid  wend  from  out  the  gate. 

Up,  up,  and  arm !     The  Phrygian  folk  who  in  the  fair  stream  wait,      430 

Burn  thou  their  dukes  of  men  with  fire !  burn  every  painted  keel ! 

'Tis  heavenly  might  that  biddeth  this.     Let  King  Latinus  feel 

Thy  strength,  and  learn  to  know  at  last  what  meaneth  Turnus'  sword, 

Unless  he  grant  the  wedding  yet,  and  hold  his  plighted  word." 

But  therewithal  the  young  man  spake,  and  answered  her  in  scorn : 

"  Thou  errest :  tidings  of  all  this  failed  nowise  to  be  borne 

Unto  mine  ears,  how  stranger  ships  the  Tiber-flood  beset 

Nay,  make  me  not  so  sore  afeard,  —  belike  she  minds  me  yet, 

Juno,  the  Queen  of  Heaven  aloft 

Nay,  mother,  Eld  the  mouldy-dull,  the  empty  of  all  sooth,  440 

Tormenteth  thee  with  cares  in  vain,  and  mid  the  arms  of  kings 

Bemocks  the  seer  with  idle  shows  of  many  fearful  things. 

Nay,  'tis  for  thee  to  watch  God's  house,  and  ward  the  images, 

And  let  men  deal  with  peace  and  war ;  for  they  were  born  for  these." 

But  at  such  word  Alecto's  wrath  in  utter  fire  outbrake ; 

A  tremor  ran  throughout  his  limbs  e'en  as  the  word  he  spake ; 

Fixed  stared  his  eyes,  the  Fury  hissed  with  Serpent-world  so  dread, 

And  such  a  mighty  body  woke :  then  rolling  in  her  head 

Her  eyes  of  flame,  she  thrust  him  back,  stammering  and  seeking  speech, 

As  on  her  head  she  reared  aloft  two  adders  each  by  each,  450 

And  sounded  all  her  fearful  whip,  and  cried  from  raving  mouth : 


i8o  THE  ^ENEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

"  Lo,  I  am  she,  the  mouldy-dull,  whom  Eld,  the  void  of  sooth, 
Bemocks  amid  the  arms  of  kings  with  empty  lies  of  fear ! 
Look,  look !  for  from  the  Sisters'  House,  the  Dread  Ones,  come  I  here  j 
And  war  and  death  I  have  in  hand." 

She  spake,  and  on  the  youth  she  cast  her  torch  and  set  its  blaze, 

A  mirky  gleam  of  smoke-wreathed  flame,  amidmost  of  his  heart : 

And  mighty  dread  his  slumber  brake,  and  forth  from  every  part, 

From  bones  and  body,  burst  the  sweat,  and  o'er  his  limbs  'gan  fall ; 

And  wild  he  cries  for  arms,  and  seeks  for  arms  from  bed  and  wall  :     460 

The  sword-lust  rageth  in  his  soul,  and  wicked  thirst  of  war. 

So  was  it  as  at  whiles  it  is,  when  with  a  mighty  roar 

The  twiggen  flame  goes  up  about  the  hollow  side  of  brass ; 

The  water  leapeth  up  therewith,  within  comes  rage  to  pass, 

The  while  the  cloudy  foaming  flood  spouts  up  a  bubbling  stir, 

Until  the  sea  refrains  no  more ;  the  black  cloud  flies  in  air. 

So  to  the  dukes  of  men  he  shows  how  peace  hath  evil  end, 

And  on  Latinus  biddeth  them  in  weed  of  war  to  wend  ; 

That  they  may  save  their  Italy,  and  thrust  the  foemen  forth. 

And  he  will  fare  unto  the  field  more  than  the  twain  of  worth,  470 

Teucrians  and  Latins :  so  he  saith,  and  calls  the  Gods  to  aid. 

Then  eagerly  Rutulian  men  to  war  and  battle  bade : 

For  some  his  glorious  beauty  stirred,  and  some  his  youth  drave  on, 

And  some  his  sires  ;  and  some  were  moved  by  deeds  his  hand  had  done. 

But  while  he  fills  Rutulian  souls  with  love  for  glorious  things, 
Alecto  to  the  Teucrians  wends  on  Stygian-fashioned  wings, 
With  fresh  guile  spying  out  the  place  where  goodly  on  the  shore, 
With  toils  and  speed  'gainst  woodland  beasts,  lulus  waged  the  war. 
Here  for  his  hounds  Cocytus'  Maid  a  sudden  madness  blent, 
Crossing  the  nostrils  of  the  beasts  with  long  familiar  scent,  480 

As  eagerly  they  chased  a  hart.     This  first  began  the  toil, 
And  kindled  field-abiders'  souls  to  war  and  deadly  broil. 


BOOK   VII.  181 

There  was  a  hart  most  excellent,  a  noble  horned  thing, 

That  Tyrrheus'  sons  had  stolen  from  its  own  dam's  cherishing, 

And  fostered :  he,  their  father,  had  the  kingly  herd  to  heed, 

And  well  was  trusted  far  and  wide,  the  warden  of  the  mead. 

But  to  their  sister  Sylvia's  hand  the  beast  was  used,  and  oft 

She  decked  him  lovingly,  and  wreathed  his  horns  with  leafage  soft, 

And  combed  him  oft,  and  washed  him  oft  in  water  of  the  well. 

Tame  to  her  hand,  and  used  enow  amid  manfolk  to  dwell,  490 

He  strayed  the  woods ;  but  day  by  day  betook  him  evermore, 

Of  his  own  will  at  twilight-tide,  to  that  familiar  door. 

Him  now  lulus'  hunting  hounds  mad-eager  chanced  to  stir 

Afar  from  home,  and  floating  whiles  adown  the  river  fair, 

Or  whiles  on  bank  of  grassy  green  beguiling  summer's  flame. 

Therewith  Ascanius,  all  afire  with  lust  of  noble  fame, 

Turned  on  the  beast  the  spiky  reed  from  out  the  curved  horn ; 

Nor  lacked  the  God  to  his  right  hand ;  on  was  the  arrow  borne 

With  plenteous  whirr,  and  smote  the  hart  through  belly  and  through  flank; 

Who,  wounded,  to  the  well-known  house  fled  fast,  and  groaning  shrank 

Into  the  stalls  of  his  abode,  and  bloody,  e'en  as  one  501 

Who  cries  for  pity,  filled  the  place  with  woefulness  of  moan. 

Then  first  the  sister  Sylvia  there,  smiting  her  breast,  cried  out, 
Calling  to  aid  the  hardy  hearts  of  field-folk  thereabout ; 
And  swifter  than  the  thought  they  came ;  for  still  that  bitter  Bane 
Lurked  in  the  silent  woods :  this  man  a  half-burned  brand  did  gain 
For  weapon  ;  that  a  knotted  stake :  whate'er  came  first  to  hand, 
The  seeker's  wrath  a  weapon  made :  there  Tyrrheus  cheers  his  band, 
Come  from  the  cleaving  of  an  oak  with  foursome  driven  wedge, 
Panting  and  fierce  he  tossed  aloft  the  wood-bill's  grinded  edge.  510 

But  she,  that  Evil,  on  the  watch,  noting  the  death  anigh, 
Climbs  up  upon  the  stall-house  loft,  and  from  its  roof  on  high 
Singeth  the  shepherd's  gathering  sign,  and  through  the  crooked  horn 
Sends  voice  of  hell :  and  e'en  therewith,  as  forth  the  notes  were  borne, 


i82  THE  ^ENEIDS  OF  VIRGIL. 

The  forest  trembled ;  the  deep  woods  resounded ;  yea  afar 

The  mere  of  Trivia  heard  the  sound,  and  that  white  water,  Nar, 

That  bears  the  sulphur  down  its  stream ;  the  Veline  well-springs  heard : 

Mothers  caught  up  their  little  ones,  and  trembled  sore  afeard. 

Then  hurrying  at  the  voice  sent  forth  by  the  dread  war-horn's  song, 

The  hardy-hearted  folk  of  fields  from  everywhither  throng,  520 

With  weapons  caught  in  haste :  and  now  the  Trojan  folk  withal 

Pour  from  their  opened  gates,  and  on  to  aid  Ascanius  fall. 

And  there  the  battle  is  arrayed  ;  and  now  no  war  they  wake, 

Where  field-folk  strive  with  knotty  club  or  fire-behardened  stake ; 

But  with  the  two-edged  sword  they  strive :  the  meadows  bristle  black 

With  harvest  of  the  naked  steel :  the  gleaming  brass  throws  back 

Unto  the  clouds  that  swim  aloft  the  smiting  of  the  sun  : 

As  when  the  whitening  of  the  wind  across  the  flood  doth  run, 

And  step  by  step  the  sea  gets  up,  and  higher  heaps  the  wave, 

Until  heaven-high  it  sweeps  at  last  up  from  its  lowest  cave.  530 

And  here,  by  dint  of  whistling  shaft  in  forefront  of  the  fight, 

A  youth,  e'en  Tyrrheus'  eldest  son,  by  name  of  Almo  hight, 

Was  laid  alow :  there  in  his  throat  the  reedy  bane  abode, 

And  shut  with  blood  the  path  of  speech,  the  tender  life-breath's  road. 

And  many  a  body  fell  around :  there,  thrusting  through  the  press 

With  peaceful  word,  Galaesus  old  died  in  his  righteousness  ; 

Most  just  of  men ;  most  rich  erewhile  of  all  Ausonian  land  : 

Five  flocks  of  bleaters  once  he  had :  five-fold  came  home  to  hand 

His  herds  of  neat :  an  hundred  ploughs  turned  up  the  earth  for  him.    539 

But  while  they  wrought  these  deeds  of  Mars  mid  doubtful  fate  and  dim, 
The  Goddess,  strong  in  pledge  fulfilled,  since  she  the  war  had  stained 
With  very  blood,  and  death  of  men  in  that  first  battle  gained, 
Leaveth  the  Westland,  and  upborne  along  the  hollow  sky, 
To  Juno  such  a  word  of  pride  sets  forth  victoriously : 


BOOK  VII.  183 

"  Lo  thou,  the  discord  fashioned  fair  with  misery  of  fight ! 

Come  let  them  join  in  friendship  now,  and  troth  together  plight ! 

But  now,  since  I  have  sprinkled  Troy  with  that  Ausonian  blood, 

I  will  do  more,  if  thereunto  thy  will  abideth  good  ; 

For  all  the  cities  neighbouring  to  war  my  word  shall  bring, 

And  in  their  souls  the  love  of  Mars  and  maddening  fire  shall  fling       550 

Till  all  strike  in,  and  all  the  lea  crops  of  my  sowing  bear." 

But  Juno  answered:  " Full  enough  there  is  of  fraud  and  fear  ; 

Fast  stands  the  stumbling-block  of  war,  and  hand  to  hand  they  fight : 

The  sword  that  Fate  first  gave  to  them  hath  man's  death  stained  aright 

Forsooth  let  King  Latinus  now  and  Venus'  noble  son 

Join  hand  to  hand,  and  hold  high  feast  for  such  a  wedding  won. 

But  thee,  the  Father  of  the  Gods,  lord  of  Olympus  high, 

Will  nowise  have  a-wandering  free  beneath  the  worldly  sky : 

Give  place ;  and  whatso  more  of  toil  Fortune  herein  may  make 

Myself  shall  rule."  560 

Such  words  as  these  Saturnian  Juno  spake, 
And  on  the  wing  the  Evil  rose,  with  snaky  sweeping  whirr, 
Seeking  Cocytus'  house,  and  left  the  light  world's  steep  of  air. 
Midst  Italy  a  place  there  is  'neath  mountains  high  set  down, 
Whose  noble  tale  in  many  a  land  hath  fame  and  great  renown) 
The  valley  of  Amsanctus  called,  hemmed  in  by  woody  steep 
On  either  side,  and  through  whose  midst  a  rattling  stream  doth  leap, 
With  clattering  stones  and  eddying  whirl :  a  strange  den  gapeth, there, 
The  very  breathing-hole  of  Dis ;  an  awful  place  of  fear, 
A  mighty  gulf  of  baneful  breath  that  Acheron  hath  made 
When  he  brake  forth :  therein  as  now  the  baneful  Fury  laid  570 

Her  hated  godhead,  lightening  so  the  load  of  earth  and  heaven. 

No  less  meanwhile  did  Saturn's  Queen  still  turn  her  hand  to  leaven 
That  war  begun.     The  shepherd  folk  rush  from  the  battle-wrack 
Into  the  city  of  the  king,  bearing  their  dead  aback, 


184  THE  ^ENEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

Almo  the  lad,  Galaesus  slain  with  changed  befouled  face. 

They  bid  Latinus  witness  bear,  and  cry  the  Gods  for  grace. 

Turnus  is  there,  and  loads  the  tale  of  bale-fire  and  the  sword, 

And  swells  the  fear :  "  The  land  shall  have  a  Teucrian  host  for  lord : 

With  Phrygians  shall  ye  foul  your  race  and  drive  me  from  your  door." 

Then  they,  whose  mothers  midst  the  wood  God  Bacchus  overbore, 

To  lead  the  dance  —  Amata's  name  being  held  in  nowise  light —        581 

Together  draw  from  every  side,  and  weary  for  the  fight. 

Yea,  all  with  froward  heart  and  voice  cry  out  for  war  and  death, 

That  signs  of  heaven  forbid  so  sore,  that  high  God  gainsayeth, 

And  King  Latinus'  house  therewith  beset  they  eagerly ; 

But  he  unmoved  against  them  stands  as  crag  amid  the  sea ; 

As  crag  amid  the  sea,  that  stands  unmoved  and  huge  to  meet 

The  coming  crash,  while  plenteously  the  waves  bark  round  its  feet : 

Vain  is  the  roaring  on  the  rocks  and  rattling  shingly  crash, 

The  wrack  from  off  its  smitten  sides  falls  down  amid  the  wash.  590 

But  when  no  might  is  given  him  their  blindness  to  o'ercome, 
And  by  the  road  fell  Juno  would  the  matter  must  win  home, 
Sore  called  the  father  on  the  Gods  and  emptiness  of  air : 
"  Ah,  broken  by  the  Fates,"  he  cried,  "  amid  the  storm  we  bear ! 
Ye  with  your  godless  blood  yourselves  shall  pay  the  penalty, 
Unhappy  men !     But  Turnus,  thou,  thine  ill  deed  bideth  thee 
With  woe  enough,  and  overlate  the  Gods  shalt  thou  adore. 
For  me,  my  rest  is  gained,  my  foot  the  threshold  passeth  o'er ; 
Yet  is  my  happy  ending  spilled." 

Nor  further  would  he  say ; 
But,  hedged  within  his  house,  he  cast  the  reins  of  rule  away.  600 

In  Latium  of  the  Westland  world  a  fashion  was  whilome, 
Thence  hallowed  of  the  Alban  folk,  held  holy  thence  by  Rome, 
Earth's  mightiest  thing :  and  this  they  used  what  time  soe'er  they  woke 
Mars  unto  battle ;  whether  they  against  the  Getic  folk, 


BOOK  VII.  185 

Ind,  Araby,  Hyrcanian  men,  fashioned  the  woeful  wrack, 

Or  mid  the  dawn  from  Parthian  men  the  banners  bade  aback. 

For  twofold  are  the  Gates  of  War  —  still  bear  they  such  a  name  — 

Hallowed  by  awe  of  Mars  the  dread,  and  worship  of  his  fame, 

Shut  by  an  hundred  brazen  bolts,  and  iron  whose  avail 

Shall  never  die  :  nor  ever  thence  doth  door-ward  Janus  fail.  610 

Now  when  amid  the  Fathers'  hearts  fast  is  the  war-rede  grown, 

The  Consul,  girt  in  Gabine  wise,  and  with  Quirinus  gown 

Made  glorious,  doth  himself  unbar  the  creaking  door-leaves  great, 

And  he  himself  cries  on  the  war  •  whom  all  men  follow  straight, 

The  while  their  brazen  yea-saying  the  griding  trumpets  blare. 

In  e'en  such  wise  Latinus  now  was  bidden  to  declare 

The  battle  'gainst  ^Eneas'  folk,  and  ope  the  gates  of  woe. 

But  from  their  touch  the  Father  shrank,  and  fleeing  lest  he  do 

The  evil  deed,  in  eyeless  dark  he  hideth  him  away. 

Then  slipped  the  Queen  of  Gods  from  heaven,  and  ended  thetr  delay  j 

For  back  upon  their  hinges  turned  the  Seed  of  Saturn  bore  621 

The  tarrying  leaves,  and  burst  apart  the  iron  Gates  of  War, 

And  all  Ausonia  yet  unstirred  brake  suddenly  ablaze : 

And  some  will  go  afoot  to  field,  and  some  will  wend  their  ways 

Aloft  on  horses  dusty-fierce :  all  seek  their  battle-gear. 

Some  polish  bright  the  buckler's  face  and  rub  the  pike-point  clear 

With  fat  of  sheep  ;  and  many  an  axe  upon  the  wheel  is  worn. 

They  joy  to  rear  the  banners  up  and  hearken  to  the  horn. 

And  now  five  mighty  cities  forge  the  point  and  edge  anew 

On  new-raised  anvils ;  Tibur  proud,  Atina  staunch  to  do,  630 

Ardea  and  Crustumerium's  folk,  Antemnse  castle-crowned. 

They  hollow  helming  for  the  head  ;  they  bend  the  withe  around 

For  buckler-boss :  or  other  some  beat  breast-plates  of  the  brass, 

Or  from  the  toughened  silver  bring  the  shining  greaves  to  pass. 

Now  fails  all  prize  of  share  and  hook,  all  yearning  for  the  plough ; 

The  swords  their  fathers  bore  afield  anew  they  smithy  now. 


186  THE  ^NEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

Now  is  the  gathering-trumpet  blown ;  the  battle-token  speeds  ; 

And  this  man  catches  helm  from  wall ;  this  thrusteth  foaming  steeds 

To  collar ;  this  his  shield  does  on,  and  mail-coat  threesome  laid 

Of  golden  link,  and  girdeth  him  with  ancient  trusty  blade.  640 

O  Muses,  open  Helicon,  and  let  your  song  awake 

To  tell  what  kings  awoke  to  war,  what  armies  for  whose  sake 

Filled  up  the  meads ;  what  men  of  war  sweet  mother  Italy 

Bore  unto  flower  and  fruit  as  then  ;  what  flame  of  fight  ran  high : 

For  ye  remember,  Holy  Ones,  and  ye  may  tell  the  tale ; 

But  we  —  a  slender  breath  of  fame  scarce  by  our  ears  may  sail. 

Mezentius  first,  the  foe  of  Gods,  fierce  from  the  Tuscan  shore 

Unto  the  battle  wends  his  way,  and  armeth  host  of  war : 

Lausus,  his  son,  anigh  him  wends ;  —  no  lovelier  man  than  he, 

Save  Turnus,  the  Laurentine-born,  the  crown  of  all  to  see.  —  650 

Lausus,  the"  tamer  of  the  horse,  the  wood-deer's  following  bane, 

Who  led  from  Agyllina's  wall  a  thousand  men  in  vain. 

Worthy  was  he  to  have  more  mirth  than  'neath  Mezentius'  sway ; 

Worthy  that  other  sire  than  he  had  given  him  unto  day. 

The  goodly  Aventinus  next,  glorious  with  palm  of  prize, 

Along  the  grass  his  chariot  shows  and  steeds  of  victories, 

Sprung  from  the  goodly  Hercules,  marked  by  his  father's  shield, 

Where  Hydra  girded  hundred-fold  with  adders  fills  the  field  : 

Him  Rhea  the  priestess  on  a  day  gave  to  the  sun-lit  earth, 

On  wooded  bent  of  Aventine,  in  secret  stolen  birth ;  660 

The  woman  mingled  with  a  God,  what  time  that,  Geryon  slain, 

The  conquering  man  of  Tiryns  touched  the  fair  Laurentian  plain, 

And  washed  amidst  the  Tuscan  stream  the  bulls  Iberia  bred. 

These  bear  in  war  the  bitter  glaive  and  darts  with  piled  head : 

With  slender  sword  and  Sabine  staff  the  battle  they  abide ; 

But  he  afoot  and  swinging  round  the  monstrous  lion's  hide, 


BOOK  VII.  187 

Whose  bristly  brow  and  terrible  with  sharp  white  teeth  a-row 
Hooded  his  head,  beneath  the  roof  where  dwelt  the  king  did  go 
All  shaggy  rough,  his  shoulders  clad  with  Herculean  cloak. 

Then  next  twin  brethren  wend  away  from  Tibur's  town  and  folk,          670 

Whose  brother-born,  Tiburtus,  erst  had  named  that  citied  place ; 

Catillus,  eager  Coras  they,  men  of  the  Argive  race ; 

In  forefront  of  the  battle-wood,  mid  thick  of  sleet  they  fare, 

Like  as  two  centaurs  cloud-begot,  that  down  the  mountains  bear, 

Leaving  the  high-piled  Homole,  and  Othrys  of  the  snow 

With  hurrying  hoofs :  the  mighty  wood  yields  to  them  as  they  go ; 

The  tangle  of  the  thicket-place  before  them  gives  aback. 

Nor  did  Prseneste's  raiser-up  from  field  of  battle  lack, 

That  Caeculus,  whom  king  of  men  mid  cattle  of  the  mead, 

All  ages  of  the  world  have  trowed  was  Vulcan's  very  seed  680 

Found  on  the  hearth  :  from  wide  away  gathered  his  rustic  band : 

Those  housed  upon  Praeneste's  steep  ;  they  of  the  Juno  land 

Of  Gabii :  abiders  near  cool  Anio,  they  that  dwell 

On  Hernic  rocks,  the  stream-bedewed :  they  whom  thou  feedest  well, 

Anagnia  rich ;  the  foster-sons  of  Amasenus'  coast. 

Not  all  had  arms,  or  clash  of  shield,  or  war-wain ;  but  the  most 

Cast  the  grey  plummets  forth,  and  some,  the  dart  in  hand  they  bear, 

And  on  the  head  the  fallow  fell  of  woodland  wolf  they  wear 

For  helming :  now  with  all  of  them  the  left  foot  goes  aground, 

Naked  and  bare  ;  but  with  the  hide  untanned  the  right  is  bound.         690 

Messapus  lo,  the  horse-tamer,  a  child  by  Neptune  won, 
Ne'er  by  the  fire  to  be  spilled,  nor  by  the  steel  undone ; 
His  folk  this  long  while  sunk  in  peace,  a  battle-foolish  band, 
He  calleth  suddenly  to  fight,  and  taketh  sword  in  hand ; 
,/Equi  Falisci  are  of  these,  Fescennium's  folk  of  fight, 
These  lie  upon  Flavinium's  lea,  and  hold  Soracte's  hight, 


i88  THE  ^ENEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

And  mere  and  mound  of  Ciminus,  Capena's  woodland  broad. 

With  measured  footfalls  on  they  go,  a-singing  of  their  lord : 

As  whiles  the  snowy  swans  will  fare  amid  the  world  of  cloud, 

Returning  from  their  feeding-field  ;  far  goes  the  song  and  loud,  700 

Whose  notes  along  their  necks  they  pour :  the  flood  resounds,  and  all 

The  Asian  marish  beat  with  song. 

Scarce  might  ye  deem  the  brazen  ranks  of  such  a  mighty  host 

Were  gathered  there :  but  rather  fowl  a-driving  toward  the  coast, 

An  airy  cloud  of  hoarse-voiced  things  drawn  from  the  wallowing  sea. 

Lo  sprung  from  ancient  Sabine  blood  comes  Clausus  presently, 

Leading  a  mighty  host,  himself  a  very  host  of  war ; 

From  whom  the  Claudian  tribe  and  race  hath  spread  itself  afar 

Through  Latium,  since  the  Sabine  folk  was  given  a  share  in  Rome : 

With  him  the  Amiternian  host  and  old  Quirites  come ;  710 

Eretus'  host  and  they  that  keep  Mutusca's  olive  gain, 

The  biders  in  Momentum's  wall,  and  Veline  Rosea's  plain, 

The  bristling  rocks  of  Tetricae  and  high  Severus'  flank, 

Casperia  and  Foruli  and  wet  Himella's  bank  ; 

The  drinkers  of  the  Tiber-stream  and  Fabaris,  and  folk 

Cool  Nursia  sends,  and  Horta's  troop,  and  men  of  Latin  yoke ; 

And  they  whom  hapless  Allia  parts  with  wash  of  waters  wan  : 

As  many  as  on  Lybian  main  the  tumbling  waves  roll  on 

When  fierce  Orion  falls  to  sleep  in  wintry  waters'  lair ; 

Or  thick  as  stand  the  wheaten  ears  the  young  sun  burneth  there          720 

On  Hermus'  plain  or  Lycia's  lea  a-yellowing  for  the  hook  : 

Loud  clashed  the  shields,  and  earth  afeared  beneath  their  footfalls  shook. 

Halaesus,  Agamemnon's  blood,  a  foe  to  Troy  inbred, 
Next  yoked  the  horses  to  the  car ;  a  thousand  men  he  led, 
Fierce  folk  for  Turnus :  they  that  hoe  the  vine-fair  Massic  soil ; 
And  they  that  from  their  lofty  hills  adown  unto  the  broil 
Aruncan  fathers  sent,  and  they  of  Sidicinum's  lea ; 


BOOK  VII.  189 

All  who  leave  Gales,  all  whose  homes  beside  Vulturnus  be, 

The  shoally  water :  with  them  went  Saticula's  fierce  band, 

And  host  of  Oscans  :  slender  shafts  are  weapons  of  their  hand,  730 

Which  same  to  toughened  casting-thong  amid  the  fight  they  tie  ; 

With  bucklered  left  and  scanty  blade  they  come  to  blows  anigh. 

Nor,  CEbalus,  shalt  thou  unsung  from  this  our  story  fail, 

Whom  Telon  on  nymph  Sebethis  begat  as  tells  the  tale 

When  Teleboan  Capreae  he  reigned  o'er  waxen  old ; 

Whose  son  might  not  abide  to  sit  within  his  father's  fold ; 

But  even  then  held  'neath  his  sway  the  country  far  and  wide, 

Sarrastes'  folk,  and  all  the  plain  along  the  Sarnus  side. 

Celenna's  lea,  and  Batulum,  and  folk  of  Rufra's  town, 

And  those  on  whom  Abella's  walls,  the  apple-rich,  look  down.  740 

But  these  are  wont  to  hurl  the  spear  after  the  Teuton  wise, 

Their  heads  are  helmed  with  e'en  such  bark  as  on  the  holm-oak  lies : 

All  brazen-wrought  their  targets  gleam,  their  brazen  sword-blades  flash. 

'Twas  Nursae  in  the  heart  of  hills  sent  thee  to  battle-clash, 
O  Ufens,  well  renowned  of  fame,  and  rich  in  battle's  grace  ; 
Whose  folk  are  roughest  lived  of  men,  eager  for  woodland  chase  ; 
^Equiculi  they  hight ;  who  dwell  on  land  of  little  gain, 
And  ever  armed  they  till  the  earth,  and  ever  are  they  fain 
To  drive  the  spoil  from  hour  to  hour,  and  live  upon  the  prey. 

Then  Umbro  of  the  hardy  heart  went  on  the  battle-way ;  750 

Priest  was  he  of  Marruvian  folk ;  about  his  helm  was  bent 

The  happy  olive,  leaf  and  twig :  him  King  Archippus  sent : 

Wont  was  he  with  his  hand  and  voice  the  bitter  viper-kind 

And  water-worms  of  evil  breath  in  bonds  of  sleep  to  bind  ; 

And  he  would  soothe  the  wrath  of  them,  and  dull  their  bite  by  craft ; 

Yet  nothing  might  he  heal  the  hurt  that  came  of  Dardan  shaft ; 

Nay,  nothing  might  the  sleepy  song  avail  against  his  bane, 


i9o  THE  ^ENEIDS  OF  VIRGIL. 

All  herbs  on  Marsian  mountains  plucked  were  nought  thereto  and  vain. 

Anguitia's  thicket  wept  for  thee,  Fucinus  wave  of  glass, 

The  thin  wan  waters  wept  for  thee.  760 

Most  goodly  Virbius  went  to  war,  Hippolytus'  own  son  : 

His  mother  fair  Aricia  sent  this  battle-glorious  one 

From  fostering  of  Egeria's  wood,  from  out  the  marish  place 

Where  standeth  Dian's  altar  rich  fulfilled  of  plenteous  grace. 

For  folk  say,  when  Hippolytus,  undone  by  step-dame's  lie, 

Had  paid  unto  his  father's  wrath  that  utmost  penalty, 

He,  piecemeal  torn  by  maddened  steeds,  yet  came  aback  to  live 

Beneath  the  starry  firmament,  and  air  that  heaven  doth  give, 

Brought  back  to  life  by  healing  herbs  and  Dian's  cherishing : 

Then  the  Almighty  Father,  wroth  that  any  mortal  thing  770 

Should  rise  again  to  light  of  life  from  nether  shadows  wan, 

Beat  down  with  bolt  to  Stygian  wave  the  Phcebus-gotten  man, 

The  finder  of  such  healing  craft,  the  wise  in  such  an  art. 

But  Trivia's  loving  kindness  hid  Hippolytus  apart, 

And  in  the  nymph  Egeria's  wood  she  held  him  many  a  day : 

Alone  in  woods  of  Italy  he  wore  his  life  away, 

Deedless,  his  very  name  all  changed,  and  Virbius  bynamed  then. 

So  for  this  cause  to  Trivia's  fane  and  hallowed  grove  do  men 

Drive  horn-foot  steeds,  because,  o'ercome  by  sea-beasts  dread  of  yore, 

Piecemeal  the  chariot  and  the  man  they  strewed  about  the  shore.         780 

No  less  his  son  would  drive  the  steeds  across  the  level  plain 

For  all  their  heat,  and  rush  to  war  aloft  in  battle-wain. 

Now  mid  the  forefront  Turnus  self  of  body  excellent, 
Strode  sword  in  hand  :  there  by  the  head  all  others  he  outwent : 
His  threefold  crested  helm  upbore  Chimaera  in  her  wrath ; 
Where  very  flame  of  ^Etna's  womb  her  jaws  were  pouring  forth ; 
And  fiercer  of  her  flames  was  she,  and  madder  of  her  mood 
As  bloomed  the  battle  young  again  with  more  abundant  blood. 


BOOK  VII.  191 

But  on  the  smoothness  of  his  shield  was  golden  lo  shown 
With  upraised  horns,  with  hairy  skin,  a  very  heifer  grown,  —  790 

A  noble  tale ; —  and  Argus  there  was  wrought,  the  maiden's  ward ; 
And  father  Inachus  from  bowl  well  wrought  the  river  poured. 

A  cloud  of  foot-folk  follow  him  ;  his  shielded  people  throng 

The  meadows  all  about ;  forth  goes  the  Argive  manhood  strong ; 

Aruncan  men  and  Rutuli,  Sicanians  of  old  years, 

Sacranian  folk,  Labicus'  band  the  blazoned  shield-bearers : 

Thy  thicket-biders,  Tiber ;  those  that  holy  acres  till 

Beside  Numicus,  those  that  plough  Rutulian  holt  and  hill, 

And  ridges  of  Circaei :  they  whose  meadows  Anxur  Jove 

Looks  down  on,  where  Feronia  joys  amid  her  fair  green  grove ;  800 

Where  Satura's  black  marish  lies,  where  chilly  Ufens  glides, 

Seeking  a  way  through  lowest  dales,  till  in  the  sea  he  hides. 

And  after  these  from  Volscian  folk  doth  fair  Camilla  pass, 

Leading  a  mighty  host  of  horse  all  blossoming  with  brass  ; 

A  warrior  maid,  whose  woman's  hands  unused  to  ply  the  rock, 

Unused  to  bear  Minerva's  crate,  were  wise  in  battle's  shock. 

The  very  winds  might  she  outgo  with  hurrying  maiden  feet, 

Or  speed  across  the  topmost  blades  of  tall  unsmitten  wheat, 

Nor  ever  hurt  the  tender  ears  below  her  as  she  ran  ; 

Or  she  might  walk  the  middle  sea,  and  cross  the  welter  wan,  810 

Nor  dip  the  nimble  soles  of  her  amid  the  wavy  ways. 

From  house  and  field  the  youth  pours  forth  to  wonder  and  to  gaze ; 

The  crowd  of  mothers  stands  at  stare  all  marvelling,  and  beholds 

Her  going  forth ;  how  kingly  cloak  of  purple  dye  enfolds 

Her  shining  shoulders,  how  the  clasp  of  gold  knots  up  her  hair, 

And  how  a  quiver  Lycian-wrought  the  Queen  herself  doth  bear, 

And  shepherd's  staff  of  myrtle-wood  steel-headed  to  a  spear. 


BOOK    VIII. 


ARGUMENT. 

THE  LATINS  SEEK  HELP  OF  DIOMEDE,  AND  AENEAS  OF  EVANDER,  TO  WHOM 
HE  GOETH  AS  A  GUEST.  VENUS  CAUSETH  VULCAN  TO  FORGE  ARMOUR 
AND  WEAPONS  FOR  HER  SON  AENEAS. 

T17HEN  Turnus  from  Laurentum's  burg  the  battle-sign  upreared, 

When  with  their  voices  hard  and  shrill  the  gathering  trumpets  blared, 
When  he  had  stirred  his  war-steeds  on  and  clashed  his  weed  of  war, 
All  troubled  were  the  minds  of  men,  and  midst  of  tumult  sore 
All  Latium  swore  the  battle  oath,  and  rage  of  men  outbroke  ; 
Messapus  then,  and  Ufens  great,  the  dukes  of  warring  folk, 
Mezentius,  scorner  of  the  Gods,  these  drive  from  every  side 
The  folk  to  war,  and  waste  the  fields  of  tillers  far  and  wide. 
And  Venulus  is  sent  withal  to  Diomedes'  town 

To  pray  for  aid,  and  tell  him  how  the  Teucrians  are  come  down  10 

On  Latium :  how  ./Eneas  comes  with  ship-host,  carrying 
His  vanquished  House-Gods,  calling  him  the  Fate-ordained  King ; 
How  many  a  folk  of  Italy  hath  joined  the  Dardan  lord, 
How  that  his  name  in  Latin  land  is  grown  a  mighty  word  — 
"  What  thing  the  man  will  build  from  this,  what  way  the  prize  of  fight, 
If  Fortune  aid  him  he  shall  turn  —  through  this  thou  see'st  more  light 
Than  cometh  to  King  Turnus'  yet  or  King  Latinus'  eyes." 

So  goes  the  world  in  Latium  now,  and  noting  how  all  lies, 

The  Trojan  hero  drifts  adown  a  mighty  tide  of  care, 

And  hither  now  his  swift  thought  speeds,  now  thither  bids  it  fare,          20 

And  sends  it  diversely  about  by  every  way  to  slip : 


BOOK  VIII.  193 

As  quivering  light  of  water  is  in  brazen  vessel's  lip, 
Smit  by  the  sun,  or  casting  back  the  image  of  the  moon. 
It  flitteth  all  about  the  place,  and  rising  upward  soon 
Smiteth  the  fashioned  ceiling  spread  beneath  the  tiling  steep. 

Night  fell,  and  over  all  the  world  the  earthly  slumber  deep 

Held  weary  things,  the  fowl  of  air,  the  cattle  of  the  wold, 

And  on  the  bank  beneath  the  crown  of  heaven  waxen  cold, 

Father  tineas,  all  his  heart  with  woeful  war  oppressed, 

Lay  stretched  along  and  gave  his  limbs  the  tardy  meed  of  rest :  30 

When  lo,  between  the  poplar-leaves  the  godhead  of  the  place, 

E'en  Tiber  of  the  lovely  stream,  arose  before  his  face, 

A  veil  of  linen  grey  and  thin  the  elder's  body  clad, 

And  garlanding  of  shady  sedge  the  tresses  of  him  had ; 

And  thus  ^Eneas  he  bespeaks  to  take  away  his  woe : 

"  O  Seed  of  Gods,  who  bearest  us  Troy-town  from  midst  the  foe, 

Who  savest  Pergamus  new-born  no  more  to  die  again, 

Long  looked-for  on  Laurentine  earth  and  fields  of  Latin  men  , 

This  is  your  sure  abiding-place,  your  House-Gods'  very  stead ; 

Turn  not,  nor  fear  the  battle-threats,  for  now  hath  fallen  dead  40 

The  swelling  storm  of  godhead's  wrath. 

And  lest  thou  think  I  forge  for  thee  an  idle  dream  of  sleep, 

Amid  the  holm-oaks  of  the  shore  a  great  sow  shalt  thou  see, 

Who  e'en  now  farrowed  thirty  head  of  young ;  there  lieth  she 

All  white  along,  with  piglings  white  around  her  uddered  sides : 

That  earth  shall  be  thy  dwelling-place ;  there  rest  from  toil  abides. 

From  thence  Ascanius,  when  the  year  hath  thrice  ten  times  rolled  round, 

Shall  raise  a  city,  calling  it  by  Alba's  name  renowned. 

No  doubtful  matters  do  I  sing,  —  but  how  to  speed  thee  well, 

And  win  thee  victor  from  all  this,  in  few  words  will  I  tell :  50 

Arcadian  people  while  agone,  a  folk  from  Pallas  come, 

Following  Evander  for  their  king,  have  borne  his  banners  home, 


194  THE  ^ENEIDS  OF  VIRGIL. 

And  chosen  earth,  and  reared  their  town  amid  a  mountain  place 

E'en  Pallanteum  named,  from  him  who  first  began  their  race : 

This  folk  against  the  Latin  men  for  ever  wages  fight, 

Bid  them  as  fellows  to  thy  camp,  and  treaty  with  them  plight ; 

But  I  by  bank  and  flow  of  flood  will  straightly  lead  thee  there, 

While  thou  with  beating  of  the  oars  the  stream  dost  overbear. 

Arise,  arise,  O  Goddess-born,  when  the  first  star-world  sets, 

Make  prayer  to  Juno  in  due  wise  ;  o'ercome  her  wrath  and  threats        60 

With  suppliant  vows  :  victorious  grown,  thou  yet  shalt  worship  me , 

For  I  am  that  abundant  flood  whom  thou  to-day  dost  see 

Sweeping  the  bank  and  cleaving  way  amid  the  plenteous  earth, 

Blue  Tiber,  sweetest  unto  heaven  of  all  the  streams  of  worth. 

This  is  my  mighty  house ;  my  head  from  lofty  cities  sweeps." 

The  River  spake,  and  hid  himself  amid  the  watery  deeps ; 

But  night  and  slumber  therewithal  ./Eneas'  eyes  forsook ; 

He  rose  and  toward  the  dawning-place  and  lights  of  heaven  'gan  look, 

And  duly  in  his  hollow  hand  he  lifted  water  fair  69 

From  out  the  stream,  and  unto  heaven  in  such  wise  poured  his  prayer : 

"  O  Nymphs,  Laurentian  Nymphs,  from  whence  the  race  of  rivers  springs, 

And  thou,  O  father  Tiber  fair,  with  holy  wanderings, 

Cherish  ^Eneas  ;  thrust  from  me  the  bitter  following  bane, 

What  pool  soe'er  may  nurse  thy  spring,  O  pityer  of  my  pain, 

From  whatso  land,  O  loveliest,  thy  stream  may  issue  forth. 

For  ever  will  I  give  thee  gifts,  and  worship  well  thy  worth, 

Horned  river,  of  all  Westland  streams  the  very  king  and  lord ; 

Only  be  with  me  ;  faster  bind  thy  great  God-uttered  word." 

Thus  having  said,  two  twi-banked  keels  he  chooseth  from  the  fleet, 

And  mans  the  oars  and  dights  his  folk  with  gear  and  weapons  meet      80 

But  lo  meanwhile  a  wondrous  sign  is  thrust  before  his  eyes  ; 
For  on  the  green-sward  of  the  wood  a  snow-white  sow  there  lies 


BOOK  VIII.  195 

Down  by  the  strand,  her  little  ones,  like-hued,  about  her  pressed ; 

Whom  god-loving  ^Eneas  slays  to  thee,  O  mightiest, 

O  Juno,  at  thine  altar-fires  hallowing  both  dam  and  brood. 

Now  while  the  long  night  wore  away,  the  swelling  of  his  flood 

Had  Tiber  soothed,  and  eddying  back  in  peace  the  stream  was  stayed, 

And  in  the  manner  of  a  mere  the  water's  face  was  laid, 

Or  as  a  pool,  that  so  the  oars  unstrained  their  work  may  ply. 

So  now  they  speed  their  journey  forth  amid  a  happy  cry ;  90 

The  oiled  fir  slips  along  the  seas,  the  waves  fall  wondering  then,  — 

The  woods,  unused,  fall  wondering  sore  to  see  the  shields  of  men 

Shine  far  up  stream  ;  to  see  the  keels  bepainted  swimming  there : 

But  day  and  night,  with  beat  of  oars,  the  watery  way  they  wear, 

And  conquer  reaches  long,  o'erlaid  with  many  a  shifting  tree, 

And  cleave  the  forest  fair  and  green  along  the  waveless  sea. 

Unto  the  midmost  crown  of  heaven  had  climbed  the  fiery  sun, 

By  then  the  walls,  and  far-off  burg,  and  few  roofs  one  by  one 

They  see ;  the  place  raised  high  as  heaven  by  mightiness  of  Rome, 

Where  in  those  days  Evander  had  an  unrich,  scanty  home :  100 

So  thither  swift  they  turned  their  prows,  and  toward  the  city  drew. 

That  day  it  chanced  the  Arcadian  King  did  yearly  honour  do 

Unto  Amphitryon's  mighty  son,  and  on  the  God  did  call 

In  grove  before  the  city-walls  ;  Pallas,  his  son,  withal, 

The  battle-lords,  the  senate  poor  of  that  unwealthy  folk 

Cast  incense  there ;  with  yet  warm  blood  the  altars  were  a-smoke. 

But  when  they  saw  the  tall  ships  glide  amidst  the  dusky  shade 

Of  woody  banks,  and  might  of  men  on  oars  all  silent  laid, 

Scared  at  the  sudden  sight  they  rise,  and  all  the  boards  forsake  : 

But  Pallas,  of  the  hardy  heart,  forbids  the  feast  to  break,  no 

While  he,  with  weapon  caught  in  haste,  flies  forth  to  meet  the  men, 

And  crieth  from  a  mound  afar : 

"  Fellows,  what  drave  you  then  ? 


196  THE  ^ENEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

And  whither  wend  ye  on  your  ways  by  road  untried  before  ? 
What  folk  and  from  what  home  are  ye  ?  and  is  it  peace  or  war  ? " 

Then  spake  the  father  ^Eneas  the  lofty  deck  aboard, 

As  with  the  peaceful  olive-bough  he  reached  his  hand  abroad : 

"  Troy's  folk  ye  see  and  weapons  whet  against  the  Latin  side, 

Whom  they  have  driven  forth  by  war  amid  their  plenteous  pride. 

We  seek  Evander :  go  ye  forth  and  tell  him  this,  and  say 

That  chosen  dukes  of  Troy  are  come  for  plighted  troth  to  pray."          1*0 

The  sound  of  such  a  mighty  name  smote  Pallas  with  amaze : 
"  Come  forth,"  he  said,  "  whoso  ye  be  :  before  my  father's  face 
Say  what  ye  would ;  come  to  our  Gods  and  in  our  house  be  guest" 

So  saying  he  gave  his  hand  to  him,  and  hard  his  right  hand  pressed ; 
Therewith  they  leave  the  river-bank,  and  wend  amidst  the  wood : 
But  spake  JSneas  to  the  King  fair  friendly  words  and  good : 

"  O  best  of  Greeks,  whom  fortune  wills  that  I  should  now  beseech, 

And  unto  thee  the  suppliant  staff  of  olive  garlands  reach, 

I  feared  thee  not  for  Areas'  seed  or  Duke  of  Danai, 

Nor  for  thy  being  to  Atreus'  twins  a  kinsman  born  anigh  :  130 

Rather  my  heart,  and  holy  words  that  Gods  have  given  forth, 

Our  fathers'  kin,  the  world-wide  tale  that  goeth  of  thy  worth, 

Bind  me  to  thee,  and  make  me  fain  of  what  Fate  bids  befall. 

Now  Dardanus,  first  setter-up  and  sire  of  Ilian  wall, 

Born  of  Electra,  Atlas'  child,  as  Greekish  stories  say, 

Came  to  the  Teucrians :  Atlas  huge  Electra  gave  to  day, 

Atlas,  who  on  his  shoulders  rears  the  round-wrought  heavenly  house  : 

But  Mercury  thy  father  is,  whom  Maia  glorious 

Conceived,  and  shed  on  earth  one  day  on  high  Cyllene  cold ; 

But  Atlas  Maia  too  begot,  if  we  may  trow  tale  told,  140 

That  very  Atlas  who  the  stars  of  heavenly  house  doth  raise, 

So  from  one  root  the  race  of  us  wends  on  its  twofold  ways. 


BOOK  VIII.  197 

Stayed  by  these  things  none  else  I  sent,  nor  guilefully  have  sought, 

Assaying  of  thee,  but  myself  unto  thyself  I  brought, 

And  mine  own  head ;  and  here  I  stand  a  suppliant  at  thy  door. 

And  that  same  Daunian  folk  of  men  drive  us  with  bitter  war 

As  fall  on  thee :  if  us  they  chase,  what  stay  but  utterly, 

(So  deem  they)  all  the  Westland  earth  beneath  their  yoke  shall  lie, 

With  all  the  upper  flood  of  sea,  and  nether  waters'  wash. 

Take  troth  and  give  it :  hearts  are  we  stout  in  the  battle's  clash,  15  p. 

High-counselled  souls,  men  well  beheld  in  deeds  that  try  the  man." 

He  ended :  but  Evander's  look  this  long  while  overran 
His  face,  his  speaking  eyes,  and  all  his  body  fair  to  see ; 
Then  in  few  words  he  answered  thus : 

"  How  sweet  to  welcome  thee,. 

Best  heart  of  Troy !  and  how  I  mind  the  words,  and  seem  to  hear 
Anchises'  voice,  and  see  the  face  that  mighty  man  did  bear : 
For  I  remember  Priam  erst,  child  of  Laomedon, 
Came  to  Hesione's  abode,  to  Salamis  passed  on, 
And  thence  would  wend  his  ways  to  seek  Arcadia's  chilly  place. 
The  blossom  of  the  spring  of  life  then  bloomed  upon  my  face,  160 

When  on  the  Teucrian  lords  I  looked  with  joy  and  wonderment; 
On  Priam,  too  :  but  loftier  there  than  any  other  went 
Anchises ;  and  his  sight  in  me  struck  youthful  love  awake. 
I  yearned  to  speak  unto  the  man,  and  hand  in  hand  to  take  : 
So  fain  I  met  him,  led  him  in  to  Phineus'  walled  place ; 
And  he,  departing,  gave  to  me  a  noble  arrow-case 
And  Lycian  shafts ;  a  cloak  thereto,  all  shot  across  with  gold, 
And  golden  bridles  twain,  that  now  Pallas,  my  son,  doth  hold. 
Lo,  then,  the  right  hand  that  ye  sought  is  joined  in  troth  to  thine ; 
And  when  to-morrow's  light  once  more  upon  the  world  shall  shine,      170 
Glad,  holpen,  shall  I  send  you  forth  and  stay  you  with  my  store. 
Meanwhile,  since  here  ye  come  our  friends,  with  us  the  Gods  adore 
At  this  our  hallowed  yearly  feast,  which  ill  it  were  to  stay : 


198  THE  ^ENEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

Be  kind,  and  with  your  fellows'  boards  make  friends  without  delay." 

Therewith  he  bids  bring  forth  once  more  the  wine-cups  and  the  meat, 

And  he  himself  sets  down  the  men  upon  a  grassy  seat ; 

But  chiefly  to  the  bed  bedight  with  shaggy  lion's  skin 

He  draws  ^Eneas,  bidding  him  the  throne  of  maple  win. 

Then  vie  the  chosen  youth-at-arms,  the  altar-priest  brings  aid ; 

They  bear  in  roasted  flesh  of  bulls,  and  high  the  baskets  lade  180 

With  gifts  of  Ceres  fashioned  well,  and  serve  the  Bacchus'  joy  ; 

So  therewithal  ^Eneas  eats  and  men-at-arms  of  Troy 

Of  undivided  oxen  chines  and  inwards  of  the  feast. 

But  when  the  lust  of  meat  was  dulled  and  hunger's  gnawing  ceased, 

Saith  King  Evander : 

"  This  high-tide  that  we  are  holding  thus, 
This  ordered  feast,  this  altar  raised  to  God  all-glorious, 
No  idle  task  of  witch- work  is,  that  knoweth  not  the  Gods 
Of  ancient  days  :  O  Trojan  chief,  we,  saved  from  fearful  odds, 
Here  worship,  and  give  glory  new  to  deeds  done  gloriously. 
Note  first  the  crag,  whose  world  of  stones  o'ertoppleth  there  anigh ;      190 
What  stone-heaps  have  been  cast  afar,  how  waste  and  wild  is  grown 
The  mountain-house,  what  mighty  wrack  the  rocks  have  dragged  adown. 
Therein  a  cave  was  erst,  that  back  a  long  way  burrowing  ran, 
Held  by  the  dreadful  thing,  the  shape  of  Cacus,  monster-man. 
A  place  the  sun  might  never  see,  for  ever  warm  and  wet 
With  reek  of  murder  newly  wrought ;  o'er  whose  proud  doorways  set 
The  heads  of  men  were  hanging  still  wan  mid  the  woeful  gore. 
Vulcan  was  father  of  this  fiend ;  his  black  flame  did  he  pour 
Forth  from  his  mouth,  as  monster-great  he  wended  on  his  ways. 
But  to  our  aid,  as  whiles  it  will,  brought  round  the  lapse  of  days  209 

The  help  and  coming  of  a  God :  for  that  most  mighty  one, 
All  glorious  with  the  death  and  spoils  of  three-fold  Geryon, 
Alcides,  our  avenger  came,  driving  the  victor's  meed, 
His  mighty  bulls,  who  down  the  dale  and  river-bank  did  feed. 


BOOK  VIII.  199 

But  Cacus,  mad  with  furious  heart,  that  nought  undared  might  be 

Of  evil  deeds,  or  nought  untried  of  guile  and  treachery, 

Drave  from  the  fold  four  heads  of  bulls  of  bodies  excellent, 

And  e'en  so  many  lovely  kine,  whose  fashion  all  outwent ; 

Which  same,  that  of  their  rightful  road  the  footprints  clean  might  lack, 

Tail-foremost  dragged  he  to  his  den,  turning  their  way-marks  back  ;    210 

And  so  he  hid  them  all  away  amid  that  stonydark, 

Nor  toward  the  cave  might  he  that  sought  find  any  four-foot  mark. 

"  Meanwhile,  his  beasts  all  satiate,  from  fold  Amphitryon's  son 

Now  gets  them  ready  for  the  road,  and  busks  him  to  be  gone  ; 

When  lo,  the  herd  falls  bellowing,  and  with  its  sorrow  fills 

The  woodland  as  it  goes  away,  and  lowing  leaves  the  hills. 

Therewith  a  cow  gave  back  the  sound,  and  in  the  cavern  hid 

Lowed  out,  and  in  despite  his  heed  all  Cacus'  hope  undid. 

Then  verily  Alcides'  ire  and  gall  of  heart  outbroke 

In  fury,  and  his  arms  he  caught  and  weight  of  knotty  oak,  220 

And  running,  sought  the  hill  aloft  that  thrusteth  toward  the  skies. 

Then  first  our  folk  saw  Cacus  scared  and  trouble  in  his  eyes, 

And  in  a  twinkling  did  he  flee,  no  eastern  wind  as  fleet, 

Seeking  his  den,  and  very  fear  gave  wings  unto  his  feet ; 

But  scarcely  was  he  shut  therein,  and,  breaking  down  the  chains, 

Had  dropped  the  monstrous  rock  that  erst  his  crafty  father's  pains 

Hung  there  with  iron  ;  scarce  had  he  blocked  the  doorway  with  the  same, 

Who  lo,  the  man  of  Tiryns  there,  who  with  his  heart  aflame 

Eyed  all  the  entries,  here  and  there  turning  about  his  face, 

Gnashing  his  teeth  :  afire  with  wrath,  thrice  all  that  hilly  place  230 

Of  Aventine  he  eyeth  o'er,  thrice  tries  without  avail 

The  rocky  door,  thrice  sits  him  down  awearied  in  the  dale. 

"  There  was  a  peaked  rock  of  flint  with  ragged  edges  dight, 
Which  at  the  cave's  back  rose  aloft  exceeding  high  to  sight, 
A  dwelling  meet  for  evil  fowl  amidst  their  nests  to  bide ; 


200  THE  ^ENEIDS  OF  VIRGIL. 

This,  that  hung  o'er  the  brow  above  the  river's  leftward  side, 

Hard  from  the  right  he  beareth  on,  and  shakes,  and  from  its  roots 

Wrencheth  it  loose,  and  suddenly  adown  the  bent  side  shoots. 

Then  ringeth  all  the  mighty  heaven  with  thunder  of  its  wrack, 

The  banks  are  rent,  the  frighted  stream  its  waters  casteth  back ;  240 

But  Cacus'  den  and  kingly  house  showed  all  uncovered  there, 

The  inmost  of  the  shadowy  cave  was  laid  undoored  and  bare : 

As  if  the  inner  parts  of  earth  'neath  mighty  stroke  should  gape, 

Unlocking  all  the  house  of  hell,  showing  that  country's  shape, 

The  wan  land  all  forlorn  of  God :  there  shows  the  unmeasured  pit, 

And  ghosts  aquake  with  light  of  day  shot  through  the  depths  of  it. 

"But  Cacus,  caught  unwares  by  day  whereof  he  had  no  doubt, 

Imprisoned  in  the  hollow  rock,  in  strange  voice  bellowing  out, 

Alcides  fell  on  from  above,  calling  all  arms  to  aid, 

And  plenteous  cast  of  boughs  and  stones  upon  the  monster  laid  ;          250 

While  he,  since  now  no  flight  availed  to  'scape  that  peril's  hold, 

Pours  from  his  mouth  a  mighty  smoke,  O  wondrous  to  be  told  ! 

Enwrapping  all  the  house  about  with  blinding  misty  shroud, 

Snatching  the  sight  from  eyes  of  men,  and  rolling  on  the  cloud, 

A  reeking  night  with  heart  of  fire  and  utter  blackness  blent. 

Alcides'  spirit  bore  it  nought ;  his  body  swift  he  sent 

With  headlong  leap  amid  the  fire  where  thickest  rolled  the  wave 

Of  smoke,  and  with  its  pitchy  mist  was  flooding  all  the  cave  ; 

Cacus  he  catcheth  in  the  dark  spueing  out  fire  in  vain, 

And  knitteth  him  in  knot  about,  and,  strangling  him,  doth  strain          26e 

The  starting  eyes  from  out  of  him,  and  throat  that  blood  doth  lack : 

Then  the  mirk  house  is  opened  wide ;  the  doors  are  torn  aback ; 

The  stolen  kine,  that  prey  his  oath  forswore  to  heaven,  are  shown, 

And  by  the  feet  is  dragged  to  day  the  body  hideous  grown  ; 

Nor  may  men  satiate  their  hearts  by  gazing  on  the  thing ; 

His  fearful  eyes,  the  face  of  him,  the  man-beast's  fashioning 

Of  bristled  breast ;  those  jaws  of  his,  whence  faded  is  the  flame. 


BOOK  VIII.  201 

"  Hence  is  this  honour  celebrate,  and  they  that  after  came 

Still  kept  the  day  all  joyfully  ;  Potitius  wrought  it  first, 

This  feast  of  mighty  Hercules ;  the  house  Pinarian  nursed,  270 

The  altar  of  the  grove  he  reared,  which  Mightiest  yet  we  call, 

And  ever  more,  in  very  sooth,  shall  mightiest  be  of  all. 

So  come,  O  youths,  these  glorious  deeds  I  bid  you  glorify : 

Wreathe  round  your  hair,  put  forth  your  hands  and  raise  the  cup  on  high ! 

Call  on  the  God  whom  all  we  love,  and  give  the  wine  full  fain ! " 

He  spake  :  the  leaf  of  Hercules,  the  poplar  coloured  twain, 
Shaded  his  hair ;  the  leaves  entwined  hung  down  aback  his  head ; 
The  holy  beaker  filled  his  hand  :  then  merry  all  men  sped, 
And  on  the  table  poured  their  gift,  and  called  the  Gods  to  hear. 

Meanwhile  unto  the  slopes  of  heaven  the  Western  Star  drew  near,        280 

And  then  the  priests,  and  chief  thereof,  Potitius,  thither  came, 

All  clad  in  skins,  as  due  it  was,  and  bearing  forth  the  flame. 

New  feast  they  dight,  and  gifts  beloved  of  second  service  bring, 

And  on  the  altar  pile  again  the  plates  of  offering. 

The  Salii  then  to  singing-tide  heart-kindled  go  around 

The  altars  ;  every  brow  of  them  with  poplar  leafage  bound : 

And  here  the  youths,  the  elders  there,  set  up  the  song  of  praise, 

And  sing  the  deeds  of  Hercules  :  How,  on  his  first  of  days, 

The  monsters  twain  his  stepdame  sent,  the  snakes,  he  crushed  in  hand  ; 

And  how  in  war  he  overthrew  great  cities  of  the  land,  290 

Troy  and  (Echalia :  how  he  won  through  thousand  toils  o'ergreat, 

That  King  Eurystheus  laid  on  him  by  bitter  Juno's  fate. 

"  O  thou  Unconquered,  thou  whose  hand  beat  down  the  cloud-born  two, 

Pholeus,  Hylaeus,  twin-wrought  things,  and  Cretan  monsters  slew : 

O  thou  who  slew'st  the  lion  huge  'neath  that  Nemean  steep, 

The  Stygian  mere  hath  quaked  at  thee,  the  ward  of  Orcus  deep 

Quaked  in  his  den  above  his  bed  of  half-gnawed  bones  and  blood. 

At  nothing  fashioned  wert  thou  feared  ;  not  when  Typhceus  stood 


202  THE  ^NEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

Aloft  in  arms :  nor  from  thine  heart  fell  any  rede  away 

When  round  thee  headed-manifold  the  Worm  of  Lerna  lay.  300 

O  very  child  of  Jupiter,  O  Heaven's  new  glory,  hail ! 

Fail  not  thy  feast  with  friendly  foot,  nor  us,  thy  lovers,  fail !  " 

With  suchlike  song  they  sing  the  praise,  and  add  to  all  the  worth 
The  cave  of  Cacus,  and  the  beast  that  breathed  the  wildfire  forth. 
The  woods  sing  with  them  as  they  sing ;  the  hills  are  light  with  song. 

So,  all  the  holy  things  fulfilled,  they  wend  their  ways  along 

Unto  the  city :  the  old  king  afoot  was  with  them  there, 

And  bade  ^Eneas  and  his  son  close  to  his  side  to  fare, 

And  as  he  went  made  light  the  way  with  talk  of  many  a  thing. 

^Eneas  wonders,  and  his  eyes  go  lightly  wandering  310 

O'er  all ;  but  here  and  there  they  stay,  as,  joyful  of  his  ways, 

He  asks  and  hears  of  tokens  left  by  men  of  earlier  days. 

Then  spake  the  King  Evander,  he  who  built  up  Rome  of  old  : 

"  These  woods  the  earth-born  Fauns  and  Nymphs  in  time  agone  did  hold, 

And  men  from  out  the  tree-trunk  born  and  very  heart  of  oak  ; 

No  fashion  of  the  tilth  they  knew,  nor  how  the  bulls  to  yoke, 

Nor  how  to  win  them  store  of  wealth,  or  spare  what  they  had  got ; 

The  tree-boughs  only  cherished  them  and  rugged  chase  and  hot. 

Then  from  Olympus  of  the  heavens  first  Saturn  came  adown, 

Fleeing  the  war  of  Jupiter  and  kingdom  overthrown :  320 

He  laid  in  peace  the  rugged  folk  amid  the  mountains  steep 

Scattered  about,  and  gave  them  laws,  and  willed  them  well  to  keep 

The  name  of  Latium,  since  he  lay  safe  hidden  on  that  shore. 

They  call  the  days  the  Golden  Days  that  'neath  that  king  outwore, 

Amid  such  happiness  of  peace  o'er  men-folk  did  he  reign. 

But  worsened  time  as  on  it  wore,  and  gathered  many  a  stain  ; 

And  then  the  battle-rage  was  born,  and  lust  of  gain  outbroke  : 

Then  came  the  host  Ausonian  ;  then  came  Sicanian  folk  ; 


BOOK  VIII.  203 

And  oft  and  o'er  again  the  land  of  Saturn  cast  its  name.  329 

Then  kings  there  were,  and  Thybris  fierce,  of  monstrous  body  came, 
From  whom  the  Tiber  flood  is  named  by  us  of  Italy, 
Its  old  true  name  of  Albula  being  perished  and  gone  by. 
Me,  driven  from  my  land,  and  strayed  about  the  ocean's  ends, 
Almighty  Fortune  and  the  Fate  no  struggling  ever  bends 
Set  in  these  steads  ;  my  mother's  word  well  worshipped  hither  drave, 
The  nymph  Carmentis  ;  and  a  god,  Apollo,  wayfare  gave." 

Now,  as  he  spake,  hard  thereunto  the  altar-stead  doth  show, 

And  gate  that  by  Carmentis'  name  the  Roman  people  know ; 

An  honour  of  the  olden  time  to  nymph  Carmentis,  she, 

The  faithful  seer,  who  first  foretold  what  mighty  men  should  be  340 

^Eneas'  sons  ;  how  great  a  name  from  Pallanteum  should  come. 

Then  the  great  grove  that  Romulus  hallowed  the  fleer's  home 

He  showeth,  and  Lupercal  set  beneath  the  cliff  a-cold, 

Called  of  Lycaean  Pan  in  wise  Parrhasia  used  of  old. 

Thereafter  Argiletum's  grove  he  shows  and  bids  it  tell, 

A  very  witness,  where  and  how  the  guesting  Argus  fell. 

Next,  then,  to  the  Tarpeian  stead  and  Capitol  they  went, 

All  golden  now,  but  wild  of  yore  with  thickets'  tanglement : 

E'en  then  at  its  dread  holiness  the  folk  afield  would  quake 

And  tremble  sore  to  look  upon  its  cliff-besetting  brake.  353 

"  This  grove,"  saith  he,  "  this  hill  thou  seest  with  thicket-covered  brow, 
Some  godhead  haunts,  we  know  not  who :  indeed  Arcadians  trow 
That  very  Jove  they  there  have  seen,  when  he  his  blackening  shield 
Hath  shaken  whiles  and  stirred  the  sujrm  amidst  the  heavenly  field. 
Look  therewithal  on  those  two  burgs  with  broken  walls  foredone ! 
There  thou  beholdest  tokens  left  by  folk  of  long  agone : 
For  one  did  Father  Janus  old,  and  one  did  Saturn  raise, 
Janiculum,  Saturnia,  they  hight  in  ancient  days." 


204  THE  ^ENEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

Amid  such  talk  they  reach  the  roofs  whereunder  did  abide 

Unrich  Evander ;  and  they  see  the  herd-beasts  feeding  wide  360 

And  lowing  through  the  Roman  Courts  amid  Carinae's  shine. 

But  when  they  came  unto  the  house,  "  Beneath  these  doors  of  mine 
Conquering  Alcides  went,"  he  said ;  "  this  king's  house  took  him  in. 
Have  heart  to  scorn  world's  wealth,  O  guest,  and  strive  thou  too  to  win 
A  godhead's  worth :  take  thou  no  scorn  of  our  unrich  estate." 

He  spake,  and  'neath  the  narrow  roof  ^Eneas'  body  great 
He  led  withal,  and  set  him  down ;  and  such  a  bed  was  there 
As  'twas  of  leaves,  and  overlaid  with  skin  of  Libyan  bear. 

Night  falleth,  and  its  dusky  wings  spreads  o'er  the  face  of  earth, 
When  Venus,  fearful  in  her  soul  (nor  less  than  fear  'twas  worth),          370 
Sore  troubled  by  Laurentine  threats  and  all  the  tumult  dread, 
Bespeaketh  Vulcan,  as  she  lay  upon  his  golden  bed, 
And  holiness  of  very  love  amidst  her  words  she  bore : 

"  When  Argive  kings  were  wasting  Troy  predestined  with  their  war, 

Were  wracking  towers  foredoomed  to  fall  mid  flames  of  hating  men, 

No  help  of  thine  for  hapless  ones,  no  arms  I  asked  for  then, 

Wrought  by  thy  craft  and  mastery :  nor  would  I  have  thee  spend 

Thy  labour,  O  beloved  spouse,  to  win  no  happy  end ; 

Though  many  things  to  Priam's  house  meseemeth  did  I  owe, 

And  oftentimes  I  needs  must  weep  ^Eneas'  pain  and  woe.  380 

But  now  that  he  by  Jove's  command  Rutulian  shores  hath  won, 

I  am  thy  suppliant,  asking  arms,  a  mother  for  her  son, 

Praying  thy  godhead's  holiness  :  time  was  when  Nereus'  seed, 

Tithonus'  wife,  with  many  tears  could  bend  thee  to  thy  need. 

Look  round,  what  peoples  gather  now ;  what  cities  shut  within 

Their  barred  gates  are  whetting  sword  to  slay  me  and  my  kin." 


BOOK  VIII.  205 

She  spake :  with  snowy  arms  of  God  she  fondled  him  about, 

And  wound  him  in  her  soft  embrace,  while  yet  he  hung  in  doubt : 

Sudden  the  wonted  fire  struck  home ;  unto  his  inmost  drew 

The  old  familiar  heat,  and  all  his  melting  bones  ran  through :  390 

No  otherwise  than  whiles  it  is  when  rolls  the  thunder  loud, 

And  gleaming  of  the  fiery  rent  breaks  up  the  world  of  cloud. 

In  glory  of  her  loveliness  she  felt  her  guile  had  gained. 

Then  spake  the  Father,  overcome  by  Love  that  ne'er  hath  waned : 

"  Why  fish  thy  reasons  from  the  deep  ?  where  is  thy  trust  in  me, 

I  prithee,  O  my  God  and  Love  ?     Had  such  wish  weighed  on  thee, 

Then,  also,  had  it  been  my  part  to  arm  the  Teucrian  hand, 

Nor  had  the  Almighty  Sire  nor  Fate  forbidden  Troy  to  stand, 

And  Priam  might  have  held  it  out  another  ten  years  yet 

And  now  if  thou  wouldst  wage  the  war,  if  thus  thy  soul  is  set,  400 

Thy  longing  shall  have  whatsoe'er  this  craft  of  mine  may  lend ; 

Whate'er  in  iron  may  be  done,  or  silver-golden  blend ; 

Whatever  wind  and  fire  may  do :  I  prithee  pray  no  more, 

But  trust  the  glory  of  thy  might." 

So  when  his  words  were  o'er 

He  gave  the  enfolding  that  she  would,  and  shed  upon  her  breast 
He  lay,  and  over  all  his  limbs  he  drew  the  sleepy  rest. 
But  when  the  midmost  night  was  worn,  and  slumber,  past  its  prime, 
Had  faded  out,  in  sooth  it  was  that  woman's  rising-time, 
Who  needs  must  prop  her  life  with  rock  and  slender  mastery  409 

That  Pallas  gives :  she  wakes  the  ash  and  flames  that  smouldering  lie, 
And,  adding  night  unto  her  toil,  driveth  her  maids  to  win 
Long  task  before  its  kindled  light,  that  she  may  keep  from  sin 
Her  bride-bed ;  that  her  little  ones  well  waxen-up  may  be. 
Not  otherwise  that  Might  of  Fire,  no  sluggard  more  than  she, 
To  win  his  art  and  handicraft  from  that  soft  bed  arose. 
Upon  the  flank  of  Sicily  there  hangs  an  island  close 
To  Lipari  of  ^Eolus,  with  shear-hewn  smoky  steep ; 


206  THE  ^ENEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

Beneath  it  thunder  caves  and  dens  ^Etnaean,  eaten  deep 

With  forges  of  the  Cyclops :  thence  men  hear  the  anvils  cry 

'Neath  mighty  strokes,  and  through  the  cave  the  hissing  sparkles  fly    420 

From  iron  of  the  Chalybes,  and  pants  the  forge  with  flame. 

The  house  is  Vulcan's,  and  the  land  Vulcania  hath  to  name. 

Thither  the  Master  of  the  Fire  went  down  from  upper  air, 

Where  Cyclop  folk  in  mighty  den  were  forging  iron  gear ; 

Pyracmon  of  the  naked  limbs,  Brontes  and  Steropes. 

A  thunderbolt  half-fashioned  yet  was  in  the  hands  of  these, 

Part-wrought,  suchwise  as  many  an  one  the  Father  casts  on  earth 

From  all  the  heaven,  but  otherwhere  unfinished  from  the  birth. 

Three  rays  they  wrought  of  writhen  storm,  three  of  the  watery  wrack  ; 

Nor  do  the  three  of  ruddy  flame  nor  windy  winging  lack :  430 

And  now  the  work  of  fearful  flash,  and  roar,  and  dread  they  won, 

And  blent  amid  their  craftsmanship  the  flame  that  followeth  on. 

But  otherwhere  they  dight  the  wain  and  winged  wheels  of  Mars, 

Wherewith  the  men  and  walls  of  men  he  waketh  up  to  wars. 

There  angry  Pallas'  arms  they  wrought  and  JEgis  full  of  fear, 

And  set  the  gold  and  serpent  scales,  and  did  with  mighty  care 

The  knitted  adders,  and  for  breast  of  very  God  did  deck 

The  Gorgon  rolling  eyen  still  above  her  severed  neck. 

"  Do  all  away,"  he  said,  "  lay  by  the  labour  so  far  done  j 

Cyclops  of  ^Etna,  turn  your  minds  to  this  one  thing  alone :  440 

Arms  for  a  great  man  must  be  wrought ;  betake  ye  to  your  might ; 

Betake  ye  to  your  nimble  hands  and  all  your  mastery's  sleight, 

And  hurry  tarrying  into  haste." 

No  more  he  spake :  all  they 

Fall  swift  to  work  and  portion  out  the  labour  of  the  day  : 
The  brazen  rivers  run  about  with  metal  of  the  gold, 
And  soft  the  Chalyb  bane-master  flows  in  the  forgers'  hold. 
A  mighty  shield  they  set  on  foot  to  match  all  weapons  held 
By  Latin  men,  and  sevenfold  ring  on  ring  about  it  weld. 


BOOK  VIII.  207 

Meanwhile,  in  windy  bellows'  womb  some  in  the  breezes  take 

And  give  them  forth,  some  dip  the  brass  all  hissing  in  the  lake,  450 

And  all  the  cavern  is  agroan  with  strokes  on  anvil  laid. 

There  turn  and  turn  about  betwixt,  with  plenteous  might  to  aid, 

They  rear  their  arms ;  with  grip  of  tongs  they  turn  the  iron  o'er. 

But  while  the  Lemnian  Father  thus  speeds  on  the  ^Eolean  shore, 

The  lovely  light  Evander  stirs  amid  his  lowly  house, 

And  morning  song  of  eave-dwellers  from  sleep  the  king  doth  rouse, 

Riseth  that  ancient  man  of  days  and  on  his  kirtle  does, 

And  both  his  feet  he  binds  about  with  bonds  of  Tyrrhene  shoes ; 

Then  Tegeaean  sword  he  girds  to  shoulder  and  to  side, 

And  on  the  left  he  flings  aback  the  cloak  of  panther-hide.  460 

Moreover,  from  the  threshold  step  goes  either  watchful  ward, 

Two  dogs  to  wit,  that  follow  close  the  footsteps  of  their  lord. 

So  to  the  chamber  of  his  guest  the  hero  goes  his  way, 

Well  mindful  of  his  spoken  word  and  that  well-promised  stay. 

Nor  less  JEneas  was  afoot  betimes  that  morning-tide, 

And  Pallas  and  Achates  went  each  one  their  lord  beside. 

So  met,  they  join  their  right  hands  there  and  in  the  house  sit  down, 

And  win  the  joy  of  spoken  words,  that  lawful  now  hath  grown ; 

And  thuswise  speaks  Evander  first : 

"  O  mightiest  duke  of  Trojnn  men,  —  for  surely,  thou  being  safe,         470 

My  heart  may  never  more  believe  in  Troy-town's  vanquishing,  — 

The  battle-help  that  I  may  give  is  but  a  little  thing 

For  such  a  name :  by  Tuscan  stream  on  this  side  are  we  bound ; 

On  that  side  come  Rutulian  arms  to  gird  our  walls  with  sound. 

But  'tis  my  rede  to  join  to  you  a  mighty  folk  of  fight, 

A  wealthy  lordship  :  chance  unhoped  this  hope  for  us  hath  dight ; 

So  draw  thou  thither  whereunto  the  Fates  are  calling  on. 

Not  far  hence  is  a  place  of  men,  on  rock  of  yore  agone 

Built  up ;  Agylla's  city  'tis,  where  glorious  folk  of  war. 


2o8  THE  ^NEIDS  OF  VIRGIL. 

The  Lydian  folk,  on  Tuscan  hills  pitched  their  abode  of  yore.  480 

A  many  years  of  blooming  once  they  had,  until  the  king 

Mezentius  held  them  'neath  his  pride  and  cruel  warfaring. 

Why  tell  those  deaths  unspeakable,  and  many  a  tyrant's  deed  ? 

May  the  Gods  store  them  for  the  heads  of  him  and  all  his  seed ! 

Yea,  yea,  dead  corpses  would  he  join  to  bodies  living  yet, 

And  hand  to  hand,  O  misery  !  and  mouth  to  mouth  would  set ; 

There,  drenched  with  gore  and  drenched  with  dew  of  death,  must  they 

abide, 

A  foul  embrace  unspeakable,  and  long  and  long  they  died. 
Worn  out  at  last,  his  folk  in  arms  beset  his  house  about, 
And  him  therein  all  mad  with  rage,  cut  off  his  following  rout,  490 

And  cast  the  wild-fire  therewithal  over  his  roof  on  high : 
But  he,  amidst  the  slaughter  slipped,  to  fields  of  Rutuli 
Made  shift  to  flee,  and  there  is  held  a  guest  by  Turnus'  sword. 
So  by  just  anger  raised  to-day  Etruria  is  abroad, 
Crying  with  Mars  to  aid,  '  Give  back  the  king  to  pay  the  cost ! ' 
^Eneas,  I  will  make  thee  now  the  captain  of  their  host : 
For  down  the  whole  coast  goes  the  roar  from  out  their  ship-host's  pack  ; 
They  cry  to  bear  the  banners  forth ;  but  them  still  holdeth  back 
The  ancient  seer,  thus  singing  Fate:  Maonia's  chosen  peers, 
The  heart  and  flower  of  men  of  old,  whom  griefs  just  measure  bears     500 
Against  the  foe  ;  souls  that  your  king  hath  stirred  to  righteous  wrath, 
No  man  of  Italy  is  meet  to  lead  this  army  forth  ; 
Seek  outland  captains.     Then,  indeed,  the  Tuscan  war  array, 
Feared  by  such  warnings  of  the  Gods,  amidst  these  meadows  lay. 
Tarchon  himself  hath  hither  sent  sweet  speakers,  bearing  me 
Their  lordship's  kingly  staff  and  crown,  and  signs  of  royalty  ; 
And  bidding  take  the  Tuscan  land  and  join  their  camp  of  war. 
But  eld  adull  with  winter  frost  and  spent  with  days  of  yore, 
My  body  over-old  for  deeds  begrudged  such  government. 
I  would  have  stirred  my  son,  but  he,  with  Sabine  mother  blent,  510 

Shared  blood  of  this  Italian  land :  but  thee  the  Fates  endow 


BOOK  VIII.  209 

With  years  and  race  full  meet  hereto  ;  the  Gods  call  on  thee  now. 

Go  forth,  O  captain  valorous  of  Italy  and  Troy. 

Yea,  I  will  give  thee  Pallas  here,  my  hope  and  darling  joy, 

And  bid  him  'neath  thy  mastery  learn  in  battle  to  be  bold, 

And  win  the  heavy  work  of  Mars,  and  all  thy  deeds  behold ; 

And,  wondering  at  thy  valiancy,  win  through  his  earliest  years. 

Two  hundred  knights  of  Arcady,  the  bloom  of  all  it  bears, 

I  give  thee ;  in  his  own  name,  too,  like  host  shall  Pallas  bring." 

Scarce  had  he  said,  and  still  their  gaze  unto  the  earth  did  cling,  520 

^Eneas  of  Anchises  born  and  his  Achates  true, 

For  many  thoughts  of  matters  hard  their  minds  were  running  through, 

When  Cytherea  gave  a  sign  amid  the  open  sky ; 

For  from  the  left  a  flash  of  light  went  quivering  suddenly, 

And  sound  went  with  it,  and  all  things  in  utter  turmoil  fared, 

And  clangour  of  the  Tyrrhene  trump  along  the  heavens  blared. 

They  look  up  ;  ever  and  anon  a  mighty  clash  they  hear, 

And  gleams  they  see  betwixt  the  clouds,  amid  the  sky-land  clear, 

The  glitter  of  the  arms  of  God,  the  thunder  of  their  clang. 

The  man  of  Troy,  while  others'  hearts  amazed  and  fearful  hang,          530 

Knoweth  the  sound,  the  promised  help,  his  Goddess-mother's  meed. 

He  saith :  "  Yea,  verily,  O  host,  to  ask  is  little  need 

What  hap  this  portent  draweth  on :  the  Gods  will  have  me  wend ; 

The  God  that  made  me  promised  erst  such  heavenly  signs  to  send 

If  war  were  toward ;  and  through  the  sky  she  promised  to  bear  down 

Arms  Vulcan-fashioned  for  my  need. 

Woe's  me  for  poor  Laurentium's  folk !  what  death,  what  bloody  graves ! 

—  Ah,  Turnus,  thou  shalt  pay  it  me !  —  how  many  'neath  thy  waves, 

O  Father  Tiber,  shalt  thou  roll  the  shields  and  helms  of  men, 

And  bodies  of  the  mighty  ones !     Cry  war,  oath-breakers,  then  ! "       540 

And  as  he  spake  the  word  he  rose  from  off  the  lofty  throne, 

14 


210  THE  ^ENEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

And  the  slaked  fire  of  Hercules  roused  on  the  altar-stone ; 

And  joyfully  he  drew  anear  the  God  of  yesterday 

And  little  House-Gods :  chosen  ewes  in  manner  due  they  slay, 

Evander  and  the  youth  of  Troy  together  side  by  side. 

Then  to  the  ships  they  wend  their  ways,  where  yet  their  fellows  bide : 

There  men  to  follow  him  in  fight  he  choose  th  from  the  peers, 

The  flower  of  hardy  hearts  ;  the  rest  the  downlong  water  bears  ; 

Deedless  they  swim  adown  the  stream,  Ascanius  home  to  bring 

The  tidings  of  his  coming  sire  and  matters  flourishing.  550 

But  horses  get  such  Teucrian  men  as  are  for  Tyrrhene  mead  ; 
By  lot  they  choose  ./Eneas  one  which  yellow  lion's  weed 
Goes  all  about ;  full  fair  it  shone,  for  it  was  golden-clawed. 
Then  sudden  through  the  little  town  the  rumour  flies  abroad, 
That  knights  will  speedily  ride  forth  to  Tyrrhene  kingly  stead. 
Then  fear  redoubleth  mothers'  prayers,  and  nigher  draweth  dread 
In  peril's  hand,  and  greater  still  the  face  of  Mars  doth  grow. 

Father  Evander  strains  the  hand  of  him  that  needs  must  go, 

Clinging  with  tears  insatiate,  and  such  a  word  doth  say : 

"  O  me !  would  Jove  bring  back  again  the  years  long  worn  away !        560 

Were  I  as  when  the  foremost  foes  upon  Praeneste's  field 

I  felled,  and  burnt  victoriously  a  heap  of  shield  on  shield  : 

When  with  this  very  hand  I  sent  King  Herilus  to  Hell, 

Whose  dam,  Feronia,  at  his  birth,  —  wild  is  the  tale  to  tell, — 

Had  given  him  gift  of  threefold  life ;  three  times  the  sword  to  shake, 

And  thrice  to  fall  upon  the  field :  yet  did  this  right  hand  take 

That  threefold  life  away  from  him,  thrice  spoiled  him  of  his  gear. 

O  were  I  such,  ne'er  would  I  break  from  thine  embracing  dear, 

O  son ;  nor  had  Mezentius  erst,  the  tyrant  neighbour  lord, 

In  my  despite  so  many  deaths  wrought  with  his  cruel  sword,  570 

Nor  widowed  this  our  city  here  of  such  a  host  of  sons. 

But  ye,  O  Gods !  —  thou  Mightiest,  King  of  all  heavenly  ones, 


BOOK  VIII.  211 

O  Jove,  have  pity  now,  I  pray,  upon  the  Arcadian  King, 

And  hear  a  father's  prayers !  for  if  your  mighty  governing,  — 

If  Fate  shall  keep  my  Pallas  safe,  and  I  may  live  to  see 

His  face  again,  —  if  he  return  to  keep  our  unity, 

Then  may  I  live,  and  any  toil,  such  as  ye  will,  abide ! 

But,  Fortune,  if  thou  threatenest  ill,  and  misery  betide, 

Then  let  me  now,  yea,  now  indeed,  the  cruel  life  break  through, 

While  yet  my  fear  is  unfulfilled  and  hope  may  yet  come  true ;  580 

While  thee,  beloved  joy  of  eld,  I  wrap  mine  arms  around, 

Ere  yet  the  tale  of  evil  hap  mine  ancient  ears  may  wound." 

Thus  at  their  last  departing-tide  the  father  poured  the  prayer, 

Whom,  fainting  now,  the  serving-men  back  within  doors  must  bear ; 

While  forth  from  out  the  open  gate  the  host  of  horsemen  ride, 

^Eneas  and  Achates  leal  in  forefront  of  their  pride, 

And  then  the  other  Trojan  lords :  amidst  the  company, 

In  cloak  adorned  and  painted  arms,  was  Pallas  fair  to  see : 

E'en  such  as  Lucifer,  when  he  bathed  in  the  ocean  stream, 

The  light  beloved  of  Venus  well  o'er  every  starry  beam,  590 

Hath  raised  his  holy  head  in  heaven  and  down  the  darkness  rent. 

The  fearful  mothers  on  the  walls  their  eyen  after  sent, 

Following  the  dusty  cloud  of  them  and  ranks  of  glittering  brass. 

But  mid  the  thicket-places  there  by  nighest  road  they  pass 

Unto  their  end  in  weed  of  war :  with  shout  and  serried  band 

The  clattering  hooves  of  four-foot  things  shake  down  the  dusty  land. 

There  is  a  mighty  thicket-place  by  chilly  Cares'  side, 

By  ancient  dread  of  fathers  gone  held  holy  far  and  wide : 

A  place  that  hollow  hills  shut  in  and  pine-wood  black  begirds. 

Men  say  that  to  Silvanus  erst,  the  God  of  fields  and  herds,  600 

The  old  Pelasgi  hallowed  it,  and  made  a  holy  day, 

E'en  those  who  in  the  time  agone  on  Latin  marches  lay. 

No  great  way  hence  the  Tuscan  folk  and  Tarcho  held  them  still 


212  THE  ^ENEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

In  guarded  camp ;  the  host  of  them  from  rising  of  a  hill 

Might  now  be  seen,  as  far  and  wide  they  spread  about  the  field. 

Father  ^Eneas  and  his  folk,  the  mighty  under  shield, 

Speed  hither,  and  forewearied  now  their  steeds  and  bodies  tend. 

But  through  the  clouds  of  heavenly  way  doth  fair  white  Venus  wend, 
Bearing  the  gift ;  who  when  she  saw  in  hidden  valley  there 
Her  son  afar,  apart  from  men  by  river  cool  and  fair,  6ic 

Then  kind  she  came  before  his  eyes,  and  in  such  words  she  spake : 
"  These  promised  gifts,  my  husband's  work,  O  son,  I  bid  thee  take : 
So  shalt  thou  be  all  void  of  doubt,  O  son,  when  presently 
Laurentines  proud  and  Turnus  fierce  thou  bidst  the  battle  try." 

So  spake  the  Cytherean  one  and  sought  her  son's  embrace, 

And  hung  the  beaming  arms  upon  an  oak  that  stood  in  face. 

But  he,  made  glad  by  godhead's  gift,  and  such  a  glory  great, 

Marvelleth  and  rolleth  o'er  it  all  his  eyes  insatiate, 

And  turns  the  pieces  o'er  and  o'er  his  hands  and  arms  between  ; 

The  helm  that  flasheth  flames  abroad  with  crest  so  dread  beseen  :       620 

The  sword  to  do  the  deeds  of  Fate ;  the  hard-wrought  plates  of  brass, 

Blood-red  and  huge ;  yea,  e'en  as  when  the  bright  sun  brings  to  pass 

Its  burning  through  the  coal-blue  clouds  and  shines  o'er  field  and  fold: 

The  light  greaves  forged  and  forged  again  of  silver-blend  and  gold : 

The  spear,  and,  thing  most  hard  to  tell,  the  plating  of  the  shield. 

For  there  the  tale  of  Italy  and  Roman  joy  afield 

That  Master  of  the  Fire  had  wrought,  not  unlearned  of  the  seers, 

Or  blind  to  see  the  days  before.     The  men  of  coming  years, 

Ascanius  stem,  all  foughten  fields,  were  wrought  in  due  array. 

In  the  green  den  of  Mavors  there  the  fostering  she-wolf  lay,  630 

The  twin  lads  sporting  round  the  beast,  clung  to  her  udders  there, 
And  sucked  the  nursing  mother-wolf,  and  nothing  knew  of  fear ; 
But  she,  with  lithe  neck  turned  about,  now  this  now  that  caressed, 


BOOK   VIII.  213 

And  either  body  with  her  tongue  for  hardy  shaping  pressed. 

Rome  had  he  done  anigh  thereto  and  Sabine  maidens  caught 

From  concourse  of  the  hollow  seats  when  roundway  games  were  wrought 

There  for  the  sons  of  Romulus  the  sudden  war  upstarts 

With  Tatius,  the  old  king  of  days,  and  Cures'  hardy  hearts. 

Then  those  two  kings,  the  battle  quenched,  yet  clad  in  battle-gear, 

Stand  with  the  bowl  in  hand  before  the  fire  of  Jupiter,  640 

As  each  to  each  o'er  slaughtered  sow  the  troth  of  peace  they  plight. 

Anigh  is  Metius  piecemeal  dragged  by  foursome  chariots  light. 
—  Ah,  Alban,  by  the  troth  of  words  'twere  better  to  abide !  — 
There  Tullus  strews  his  lying  flesh  about  the  thicket  wide, 
Nor  sprinkling  of  a  traitor's  blood  the  bramble-bushes  lack. 

There  was  Porsena  bidding  men  take  outcast  Tarquin  back, 

The  while  his  mighty  leaguer  lay  about  the  city's  weal 

For  freedom  there  ^Eneas'  sons  were  rushing  on  the  steel : 

As  full  of  wrath,  as  one  who  threats,  might  ye  behold  his  frown, 

Because  that  Codes  was  of  heart  to  break  the  bridge  adown  ;  650 

And  Clcelia  from  her  bursten  bonds  was  swimming  o'er  the  flood. 

On  topmost  of  Tarpeian  burg  the  warder  Manlius  stood 

Before  the  house  of  God,  and  held  the  Capitol  high-set ; 

Whereon  with  straw  of  Romulus  the  roof  was  bristling  yet. 

There  fluttering  mid  the  golden  porch  the  silver  goose  was  done, 

The  seer  that  told  of  Gaulish  feet  unto  the  threshold  won : 

Then  through  the  brake  the  Gauls  were  come,  and  held  the  castle's  height, 

Beneath  the  shielding  of  the  mirk  and  gift  of  shadowy  night. 

All  golden  are  the  locks  of  these,  and  golden  is  their  gear,  659 

And  fair  they  shine  in  welted  coats ;  their  milk-white  necks  do  bear 

The  twisted  gold ;  each  one  in  hand  two  Alpine  spears  doth  wield, 

And  guarded  are  their  bodies  well  with  plenteous  length  of  shield. 


2i4  THE  ^ENEIDS  OF  VIRGIL. 

The  Salii  in  their  dancing  game ;  the  naked  Luperci, 

With  crests  that  bore  the  tuft  of  wool  and  shields  from  out  the  sky, 

There  had  he  wrought :  the  mothers  chaste  in  softly-gliding  car 

Bore  holy  things  the  city  through.    Yea,  he  had  wrought  afar 

The  very  house  of  Tartarus,  and  doors  of  Dis  the  deep, 

And  dooms  of  evil :  there  wert  thou  hung  on  the  beetling  steep, 

O  Catiline,  and  quaking  sore  'neath  many  a  fiendly  face  ; 

While  Cato  gave  the  good  their  laws  in  happy  hidden  place.  670 

The  image  of  the  swelling  sea  amidst  of  these  there  lay 

All  golden,  with  the  blue  o'erfoamed  with  flecks  of  hoary  spray, 

And  dolphins  shining  silver- white  with  tail-stroke  swept  the  wave, 

And  gathered  in  an  orbed  band  the  flowing  waters  clave. 

And  in  the  midst  were  brazen  fleets  and  show  of  Actium's  wars, 

And  all  Leucate  set  a-boil  with  ordered  game  of  Mars 

There  might  ye  see  ;  and  all  the  flood  lit  up  with  golden  light. 

Augustus  Caesar,  leading  on  Italian  men  to  fight 

With  Father-folk,  and  Household  Gods,  and  Gods  of  greater  name, 

Stood  high  on  deck ;  his  joyful  brow  flashed  forth  a  twofold  flame,      680 

His  father's  star  above  his  head  is  shining  glory-clear. 

With  wind  to  aid  and  God  to  aid,  Agrippa  otherwhere 

Leads  on  the  host  from  high  ;  whose  brows  with  glorious  battle-sign 

Are  decked  ;  for  with  the  crown  of  beaks,  the  ship-host's  prize,  they  shine. 

But  Antony,  with  outland  force  and  arms  wrought  diversely, 
Victorious  from  the  morning-folks  and  ruddy-stranded  sea, 
Bore  Egypt  and  the  Eastland  might  and  Bactria's  outer  ends  ; 
And  after  him  —  O  shame  to  tell !  —  a  wife  of  Egypt  wends. 

They  rush  together ;  all  the  sea  is  beaten  into  foam, 
Torn  by  the  great  three-tyned  beaks  and  oar-blades  driven  home  :        690 
They  seek  the  deep :  ye  might  have  thought  that  uptorn  Cyclades 
Swam  o'er  the  main,  that  mountains  met  high  mountains  on  the  seas, 


BOOK   VIII.  215 

With  such  a  world  of  towered  ships  fall  on  those  folks  of  war. 

The  hempen  flame  they  fling  from  hand ;  they  cast  the  dart  afar 

Of  winged  steel,  and  Neptune's  lea  reddens  with  death  anew. 

The  Queen  amidst  calls  on  her  host  with  timbrel  fashioned  due 

In  Egypt's  guise,  nor  looks  aback  the  adders  twain  to  see ; 

Barking  Anubis,  shapes  of  God  wild- wrought  and  diversely 

'Gainst  Neptune  and  'gainst  Venus  fair,  and  'gainst  Minerva's  weal 

Put  forth  the  spear ;  and  Mavors'  wrath  was  fashioned  forth  in  steel    700 

Amidst  the  fight:  the  Dreadful  Ones  stooped  evil-wrought  from  heaven, 

And  Discord  stalked  all  glad  at  heart  beneath  her  mantle  riven  j 

And  after  her,  red  scourge  in  hand,  did  dire  Bellona  go. 

All  this  Apollo,  Actian-housed,  beheld,  and  bent  his  bow 

From  high  aloft,  and  with  his  fear  all  Egypt  fell  to  wrack, 

And  Ind  and  Araby ;  and  all  Sabaeans  turned  the  back. 

Then  once  again  the  Queen  was  wrought,  who  on  the  winds  doth  cry, 

And  spreadeth  sail ;  and  now,  and  now,  the  slackened  sheet  lets  fly. 

The  Lord  of  Fire  had  wrought  her  there  wan  with  the  death  to  be, 

Borne  on,  amid  the  death  of  men,  by  wind  and  following  sea.  710 

But  Nile  was  wrought  to  meet  them  there,  with  body  great  to  grieve, 

And  in  the  folding  of  his  cloak  the  vanquished  to  receive, 

To  take  them  to  his  bosom  grey,  his  flood  of  hidden  home. 

There  Caesar  threefold  triumphing,  borne  on  amidst  of  Rome, 

Three  hundred  shrines  was  hallowing  to  Gods  of  Italy 

Through  all  the  city  ;  glorious  gift  that  nevermore  shall  die ;. 

The  while  all  ways  with  joy  and  game  and  plenteous  praising  rang, 

In  all  the  temples  altars  were ;  in  all  the  mothers  sang 

Before  the  altars  ;  on  the  earth  the  steers'  due  slaughter  lay. 

But  on  the  snow-white  threshold  there  of  Phoebus  bright  as  day  720 

He  sat  and  took  the  nations'  gifts,  and  on  the  glorious  door 

He  hung  them  up :  in  long  array  the  tamed  folks  went  before, 

As  diverse  in  their  tongues  as  in  their  arms  and  garments'  guise. 

The  Nomads  had  he  fashioned  there,  that  Mulciber  the  wise, 


ai6  THE  .&NEIDS  OF  VIRGIL. 

And  Afric's  all  ungirded  folk ;  Carians  and  Leleges, 
Shafted  Geloni :  softlier  there  Euphrates  rolled  his  seas  ; 
The  Morini,  the  last  of  men,  the  horned  Rhine,  were  there, 
Dahae  untamed,  Araxes  loth  the  chaining  bridge  to  bear. 

So  on  the  shield,  his  mother's  gift  by  Vulcan  fashioned  fair, 

He  wondereth,  blind  of  things  to  come  but  glad  the  tale  to  see,  730 

And  on  his  shoulder  bears  the  fame  and  fate  of  sons  to  be. 


BOOK     IX. 


ARGUMENT. 

IN  THE  MEAN  TIME  THAT  AENEAS  IS  AWAY,  TURNUS  AND  THE  LATINS 
BESET  THE  TROJAN  ENCAMPMENT,  AND  MISS  BUT  A  LITTLE  OF 
BRINGING  ALL  THINGS  TO  RUIN. 

~M"OW  while  a  long  way  off  therefrom  do  these  and  those  such  deed 

Saturnian  Juno  Iris  sends  from  heaven  aloft  to  speed 
To  Turnus  of  the  hardy  heart,  abiding,  as  doth  hap, 
Within  his  sire  Pilumnus'  grove  in  shady  valley's  lap  ; 
Whom  Thaumas'  child  from  rosy  mouth  in  suchwise  doth  bespeak : 

"  Turnus,  what  no  one  of  the  Gods  might  promise,  didst  thou  seek, 

The  day  of  Fate  undriven  now  hath  borne  about  for  thee : 

^Eneas,  he  hath  left  his  town,  and  ships,  and  company, 

And  sought  the  lordship  Palatine  and  King  Evander's  house ; 

Nay  more,  hath  reached  the  utmost  steads,  the  towns  of  Corythus  10 

And  host  of  Lydians,  where  he  arms  the  gathered  carles  for  war. 

Why  doubt'st  thou  ?  now  is  time  to  call  for  horse  and  battle-car. 

Break  tarrying  off,  and  make  thy  stoop  upon  their  camp's  dismay." 

She  spake,  and  on  her  poised  wings  went  up  the  heavenly  way, 

And  in  her  flight  with  mighty  bow  cleft  through  the  cloudy  land. 

The  warrior  knew  her,  and  to  heaven  he  cast  up  either  hand, 

And  with  such  voice  of  spoken  things  he  followed  as  she  fled : 

"  O  Iris,  glory  of  the  skies,  and  who  thy  ways  hath  sped 

Amidst  the  clouds  to  earth  and  me  ?    Whence  this  so  sudden  clear 

Of  weather  ?    Lo,  the  midmost  heaven  I  see  departed  shear,  20 


2l8  THE  ^NEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

And  through  the  zenith  stray  the  stars :  such  signs  I  follow  on, 
Whoso  ye  be  that  call  to  war." 

And  therewithal  he  won 

Unto  the  stream,  and  from  its  face  drew  forth  the  water  fair, 
Praying  the  Gods,  and  laid  a  load  of  vows  upon  the  air. 

And  now  the  host  drew  out  to  war  amid  the  open  meads, 

With  wealth  of  painted  gear  and  gold,  and  wealth  of  noble  steeds. 

Messapus  leads  the  first  array,  and  Tyrrheus'  children  ward 

The  latter  host,  and  in  the  midst  is  Turnus'  self  the  lord. 

Such  is  the  host  as  Ganges  deep,  arising  mid  the  hush 

With  sevenfold  rivers'  solemn  flow,  or  Nile-flood's  fruitful  rush,  30 

When  he  hath  ebbed  from  off  the  fields  and  hid  him  in  his  bed. 

But  now  the  Teucrians  see  the  cloud  of  black  dust  grow  to  head 

From  far  away,  and  dusty-dark  across  the  plain  arise : 

And  first  from  off  the  mound  in  face  aloud  Caicus  cries  : 

"  Ho !  what  is  this  that  rolleth  on,  this  misty,  mirky  ball  ? 

Swords,  townsmen,  swords !  Bring  point  and  edge ;  haste  up  to  climb  the 

wall. 
Ho,  for  the  foeman  is  at  hand ! " 

Then,  with  a  mighty  shout, 

The  Trojans  swarm  through  all  the  gates  and  fill  the  walls  about ; 
For  so  JEneas,  war-lord  wise,  had  bidden  them  abide 
At  his  departing ;  if  meantime  some  new  hap  should  betide,  40 

They  should  not  dare  nor  trust  themselves  to  pitch  the  fight  afield, 
But  hold  the  camp  and  save  the  town  beneath  the  ramparts'  shield. 
Therefore,  though  shame  and  anger  bade  go  forth  and  join  the  play, 
They  bolt  and  bar  the  gates  no  less  and  all  his  word  obey ; 
And  armed  upon  the  hollow  towers  abide  the  coming  foe. 

But  Turnus,  flying  forward  fast,  outwent  the  main  host  slow, 
And  with  a  score  of  chosen  knights  is  presently  at  hand 


BOOK  IX.  219 

Before  the  town :  borne  on  he  was  on  horse  of  Thracian  land, 

White-flecked,  and  helmeted  was  he  with  ruddy-crested  gold. 

"  Who  will  be  first  with  me,  O  youths,  play  with  the  foe  to  hold  ?  50 

Lo,  here  !  "  he  cried  ;  and  on  the  air  a  whirling  shaft  he  sent, 

The  first  of  fight,  and  borne  aloft  about  the  meadows  went. 

His  fellows  take  it  up  with  shouts,  and  dreadful  cry  on  rolls 

As  fast  they  follow,  wondering  sore  at  sluggard  Teucrian  souls,  — 

That  men  should  shun  the  battle  pitched,  nor  dare  the  weapon-game, 

But  hug  their  walls.     So  round  the  walls,  high-horsed,  with  heart  aflame, 

He  rides  about,  and  tries  a  way  where  never  was  a  way : 

E'en  as  a  wolf  the  sheep-fold  full  besetteth  on  a  day, 

And  howleth  round  about  the  garth,  by  wind  and  rain-drift  beat, 

About  the  middle  of  the  night,  while  safe  the  lamb-folk  bleat  60 

Beneath  their  mothers  :  wicked-fierce  against  them  safe  and  near 

He  rageth ;  hunger-madness  long  a-gathering  him  doth  wear, 

With  yearning  for  that  blood  beloved  to  wet  his  parched  jaws. 

E'en  so  in  that  Rutulian  duke  to  flame  the  anger  draws, 

As  he  beholdeth  walls  and  camp  :  sore  burnt  his  hardy  heart 

For  shifts  to  come  at  them  ;  to  shake  those  Teucrians  shut  apart 

From  out  their  walls  and  spread  their  host  about  the  meadows  wide. 

So  on  the  ships  he  falls,  that  lay  the  campment's  fence  beside, 

Hedged  all  about  with  garth  and  mound  and  by  the  river's  flood, 

And  to  the  burning  crieth  on  his  folk  of  joyous  mood,  73 

And  eager  fills  his  own  right  hand  with  branch  of  blazing  fir : 

Then  verily  they  fall  to  work  whom  Turnus'  gaze  doth  stir, 

And  all  the  host  of  them  in  haste  hand  to  the  black  torch  lays. 

They  strip  the  hearths  ;  the  smoky  brand  sends  forth  pitch-laden  blaze, 

And  starward  soot-bemingled  flame  drave  Vulcan  as  he  burned. 

Say,  Muse,  what  God  from  Teucrian  folk  such  sore  destruction  turned  ? 
Who  drave  away  from  Trojan  keels  so  mighty  great  a  flame  ? 
Old  is  the  troth  in  such  a  tale,  but  never  dies  its  fame. 
What  time  ^Eneas  first  began  on  Phrygian  Ida's  steep 


220  THE  ^ENEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

To  frame  his  ships,  and  dight  him  there  to  ride  upon  the  deep,  80 

The  Berecynthian  Mother-Queen  spake,  as  the  tale  doth  fare, 
Unto  the  Godhead  of  great  Jove  : 

"  Son,  grant  unto  my  prayer 

That  which  thy  loved  mother  asks  from  heaven  all  tamed  to  peace : 
A  wood  of  pines  I  have,  beloved  through  many  years'  increase. 
There  is  a  thicket  on  my  height  wherein  men  worship  me, 
Dim  with  the  blackening  of  the  firs  and  trunks  of  maple-tree : 
These  to  the  Dardan  youth  in  need  of  ship-host  grudged  I  nought, 
But  in  my  anxious  soul  as  now  is  born  a  troubling  thought. 
Do  off  my  dread,  and  let,  I  pray,  a  mother's  prayers  avail, 
That  these  amid  no  shattering  sea  or  whirling  wind  may  fail ;  90 

Let  it  avail  them  that  my  heights  first  brought  them  unto  birth." 

Answered  her  son,  that  swayeth  still  the  stars  that  rule  the  earth : 

"  O  mother,  whither  calFst  thou  Fate  ?  what  wouldst  thou  have  them  be  ? 

Shall  keels  of  mortal  fashioning  gain  immortality  ? 

And  shall  JEneas  well  assured  stray  every  peril  through  ? 

Shall  this  be  right  ?  hath  any  God  the  power  such  things  to  do  ? 

No  less  when  they  have  done  their  work,  and  safe  in  Italy 

Lie  jn  the  haven,  which  soe'er  have  overpassed  the  sea, 

And  borne  the  Duke  of  Dardan  men  to  that  Laurentine  home, 

From  such  will  I  take  mortal  shape,  and  bid  them  to  become  100 

Queens  of  the  sea-plain,  such  as  are  Doto  the  Nereus  child, 

And  Galatea,  whose  bosoms  cleave  the  foaming  waters  wild." 

He  spake  and  swore  it  by  the  flood  his  Stygian  Brother  rules, 
And  by  its  banks  that  reek  with  pitch  o'er  its  black  whirling  pools, 
And  with  the  bowing  of  his  head  did  all  Olympus  shake. 

And  now  the  promised  day  was  come,  nor  will  the  Parcae  break 
The  time  fulfilled ;  when  Turnus'  threat  now  bade  the  Mother  heed 
That  she  from  those  her  holy  ships  should  turn  the  fire  at  need. 


BOOK  IX.  221 

Strange  light  before  the  eyes  of  men  shone  forth  ;  a  mighty  cloud 

Ran  from  the  dawning  down  the  sky,  and  there  was  clashing  loud        no 

Of  Ida's  hosts,  and  from  the  heavens  there  fell  a  voice  of  fear, 

That  through  Rutulia's  host  and  Troy's  fulfilled  every  ear : 

"  Make  no  great  haste,  O  Teucrian  men,  these  ships  of  mine  to  save  I 

Nor  arm  thereto !  for  Turnus  here  shall  burn  the  salt  sea  wave 

Sooner  than  these,  my  holy  pines.     But  ye — depart,  go  free ! 

The  Mother  biddeth  it:  depart,  Queens,  Goddesses,  of  sea!  " 

Straightway  the  ships  break  each  the  chain  that  tied  them  to  the  bank, 
And,  as  the  dolphins  dive  adown,  with  plunging  beaks  they  sank 
Down  to  the  deeps,  from  whence,  O  strange  !  they  come  aback  once  more ; 
As  many  brazen  beaks  as  erst  stood  fast  beside  the  shore,  120 

So  many  shapes  of  maidens  now  seaward  they  wend  their  ways. 

Appalled  were  those  Rutulian  hearts ;  yea,  feared  with  all  amaze, 
Messapus  sat  mid  frighted  steeds  :  the  rough-voiced  stream  grew  black ; 
Yea,  Tiberinus  from  the  deep  his  footsteps  drew  aback. 
But  Turnus  of  the  hardy  heart,  his  courage  nothing  died  ; 
Unmoved  he  stirs  their  souls  with  speech,  unmoved  he  falls  to  chide : 

"  These  portents  seek  the  Teucrians  home  ;  the  very  Jupiter 

Snatches  their  wonted  aid  from  them,  that  might  not  bide  to  bear 

Rutulian  fire  and  sword  :  henceforth  the  sea-plain  lacketh  road 

For  Teucrian  men  :  their  flight  is  dead,  and  half  the  world's  abode      130 

Is  reft  from  them  :  and  earth,  forsooth,  upon  our  hands  it  waits, 

With  thousands  of  Italian  swords.     For  me,  I  fear  no  Fates : 

For  if  the  Phrygians  boast  them  still  of  answering  words  of  God, 

Enough  for  Venus  and  the  Fates  that  Teucrian  men  have  trod 

The  fair  Ausonia's  fruitful  field  :  and  answering  fates  have  I : 

A  wicked  folk  with  edge  of  sword  to  root  up  utterly, 

For  stolen  wife :  this  grief  hath  grieved  others  than  Atreus'  sons, 

And  other  folk  may  run  to  arms  than  those  Mycenian  ones. 


222  THE  ^ENEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

—  Enough  one  downfall  is,  say  ye  ?  —  Enough  had  been  one  sin. 

Yea,  I  had  deemed  all  womankind  your  hatred  well  might  win.  140 

—  Lo,  these  are  they  to  whom  a  wall  betwixt  the  sword  and  sword, 
The  little  tarrying  of  a  ditch,  —  such  toys  the  death  to  ward !  — 
Give  hearts  of  men  !     What,  saw  they  not  the  war-walls  of  Troy-town, 
The  fashioning  of  Neptune's  hand,  amid  the  flame  sink  down  ? 

But  ye,  my  chosen,  who  is  dight  with  me  to  break  the  wall, 

That  we  upon  their  quaking  camp  with  point  and  edge  may  fall  ? 

No  need  I  have  of  Vulcan's  arms  or  thousand  ships  at  sea 

Against  these  Teucrians ;  yea,  though  they  should  win  them  presently, 

The  Tuscan  friendship :  deeds  of  dusk  and  deedless  stolen  gain 

Of  that  Palladium,  and  the  guards  of  topmost  castle  slain,  150 

Let  them  not  fear :  we  shall  not  lurk  in  horse's  dusky  womb : 

In  open  day  to  gird  your  walls  with  wildfire  is  the  doom. 

Let  them  not  deem  they  have  to  put  the  Danaans  to  the  proof, 

Pelasgian  lads  that  Hector's  hand  for  ten  years  held  aloof. 

—  But  come,  since  all  the  best  of  day  is  well-nigh  worn  to  end, 
Joy  in  our  good  beginning,  friends,  and  well  your  bodies  tend, 
And  bide  in  hope  and  readiness  the  coming  of  the  fight." 

Therewith  Messapus  hath  the  charge  with  outguards  of  the  night 
To  keep  the  gates,  and  all  the  town  with  watch-fires  round  to  ring : 
Twice  seven  are  chosen  out  to  hold  the  town  inleaguering  160 

Of  Rutuli :  an  hundred  youths,  they  follow  each  of  these ; 
A  purple-crested  folk  that  gleam  with  golden  braveries : 
They  pace  the  round,  they  shift  the  turn,  or  scattered  o'er  the  grass 
Please  heart  and  soul  with  wine,  and  turn  the  empty  bowl  of  brass : 
The  watch-fires  shine  around  in  ring ;  through  sport  and  sleeplessness 
Their  warding  weareth  night  away. 

The  Trojans  from  their  walls  of  war  look  down  on  all  these  things  ; 
They  hold  the  heights  in  arms,  and  search  the  great  gate's  fastenings 
With  hurrying  fear ;  or,  spear  in  hand,  gangway  to  battlement  169 


BOOK  IX.  223 

They  yoke.    There  Mnestheus  urged  the  work  ;  there  hot  Serestus  went ; 
They  whom  ^Eneas,  if  perchance  the  time  should  call  thereto, 
Had  made  first  captains  of  the  host,  lords  of  all  things  to  do. 
So  all  the  host  along  the  walls  the  peril  shareth  out, 
Falling  to  watch,  and  plays  its  part  in  turn  and  turn  about. 

Nisus  was  warder  of  the  gate,  the  eager  under  shield, 

The  son  of  Hyrtacus,  whom  erst  did  huntress  Ida  yield 

Unto  ^Eneas'  fellowship,  keen  with  the  shaft  and  spear. 

Euryalus,  his  friend,  stood  by,  than  whom  none  goodlier 

Went  with  ^Eneas  or  did  on  the  battle-gear  of  Troy : 

Youth's  bloom  unshorn  was  on  his  cheek,  scarce  was  he  but  a  boy.      180 

Like  love  the  twain  had  each  for  each  ;  in  battle  side  by  side 

They  went ;  and  now  as  gatewards  twain  together  did  abide. 

Now  Nisus  saith  :  "  Doth  very  God  so  set  the  heart  on  fire, 

Euryalus,  or  doth  each  man  make  God  of  his  desire  ? 

My  soul  is  driving  me  to  dare  the  battle  presently, 

Or  some  great  deed ;  nor  pleased  with  peace  at  quiet  will  it  be. 

Thou  seest  how  those  Rutulian  men  trust  in  their  warding  keep  ; 

How  wide  apart  the  watch-fires  shine ;  how  slack  with  wine  and  sleep 

Men  lie  along  ;  how  far  and  wide  the  hush  o'er  all  things  lies. 

Note  now  what  stirreth  in  my  mind,  what  thoughts  in  me  arise :  190 

They  bid  call  back  ^Eneas  now,  fathers,  and  folk,  and  all, 

And  send  out  men  to  bear  to  him  sure  word  of  what  doth  fall. 

Now  if  the  thing  I  ask  for  thee  they  promise,  —  for  to  me 

The  deed's  fame  is  enough,  — meseems  beneath  yon  mound  I  see 

A  way  whereby  to  Pallanteum  in  little  space  to  come." 

Euryalus,  by  mighty  love  of  glory  smitten  home, 
Stood  all  amazed,  then  answered  thus  his  fiery-hearted  friend : 
"  O  Nisus,  wilt  thou  yoke  me  not  to  such  a  noble  end  ? 
And  shall  I  send  thee  unto  deeds  so  perilous  alone  ? 


224  THE  jENEIDS  OF  VIRGIL. 

My  sire  Opheltes,  wise  in  war,  nourished  no  such  an  one,  200 

Reared  mid  the  terror  of  the  Greeks  and  Troy-town's  miseries ; 
Nor  yet  with  thee  have  I  been  wont  to  deedless  deeds  like  these, 
Following  ^Eneas'  mighty  heart  through  Fortune's  furthest  way. 
Here  is  a  soul  that  scorns  the  light,  and  deems  it  good  to  pay 
With  very  life  for  such  a  fame  as  thou  art  brought  anear." 

Saith  Nisus  :  "  Nay,  I  feared  of  thee  no  such  a  thing,  I  swear, 

No  such  ill  thought ;  so  may  he  bring  thy  friend  back  with  the  prize, 

Great  Jove,  or  whosoe'er  beholds  these  things  with  equal  eyes. 

But  if  some  hap  (thou  seest  herein  how  many  such  may  fall), 

If  any  hap,  if  any  God  bear  me  the  end  of  all,  210 

Fain  were  I  thou  wert  left :  thine  age  is  worthier  life-day's  gain ; 

Let  there  be  one  to  buy  me  back  snatched  from  amidst  the  slain, 

And  give  me  earth :  or  if  e'en  that  our  wonted  fortune  ban, 

Do  thou  the  rites,  and  raise  the  tomb  unto  the  missing  man ; 

Nor  make  me  of  thy  mother's  woe  the  fashioner  accurst : 

She  who,  O  friend,  alone  of  all  our  many  mothers  durst 

To  follow  thee,  nor  heeded  aught  of  great  Acestes'  town." 

He  said :  "  For  weaving  of  delay  vain  is  thy  shuttle  thrown ; 
Nor  is  my  heart  so  turned  about  that  I  will  leave  the  play : 
Let  us  be  doing !  " 

Therewithal  he  stirs  the  guards,  and  they  220 

Come  up  in  turn,  wherewith  he  leaves  the  warding-stead  behind, 
And  goes  with  Nisus,  and  the  twain  set  forth  the  prince  to  find. 

All  other  creatures,  laid  asleep  o'er  all  the  earthly  soil, 

Let  slip  the  cares  from  off  their  hearts,  forgetful  of  their  toil, 

But  still  the  dukes  of  Trojan  men  and  chosen  folk  of  war 

Held  counsel  of  that  heavy  tide  that  on  the  kingdom  bore, 

What  was  to  do,  or  who  would  go  ^Eneas'  messenger. 

There  shield  on  arm,  and  leaned  upon  the  length  of  shafted  spear, 


BOOK  IX.  225 

They  stand  amid  their  stronghold's  mead :  in  eager  haste  the  twain, 
Nisus  and  young  Euryalus,  the  presence  crave  to  gain,  230 

For  matters  great  and  worth  the  time  :  straight  doth  lulus  take 
Those  hurried  men  to  him,  and  bids  that  Nisus  speech  should  wake. 

Then  saith  the  son  of  Hyrtacus :  "  Just-hearted,  hearken  now, 

Folk  of  ^Eneas,  neither  look  upon  the  things  we  show 

As  by  our  years.     The  Rutuli  slackened  by  wine  and  sleep 

Lie  hushed,  and  we  have  seen  whereby  upon  our  way  to  creep, 

E'en  by  the  double-roaded  gate  that  near  the  sea-strand  lies : 

Their  fires  are  slacked,  and  black  the  smoke  goes  upward  to  the  skies. 

If  ye  will  suffer  us  to  use  this  fortune  that  doth  fall 

We  will  go  seek  ^Eneas  now  and  Pallanteum's  wall :  240 

Ye  shall  behold  him  and  his  spoils  from  mighty  victory  wrought 

Come  hither  presently :  the  way  shall  fail  our  feet  in  nought, 

For  we  have  seen  the  city's  skirts  amid  the  valleys  dim 

In  daily  hunt,  whereby  we  learned  the  river's  uplong  brim." 

Then  spake  Aletes  weighty-wise,  heart-ripe  with  plenteous  eld : 
"  Gods  of  our  fathers,  under  whom  the  weal  of  Troy  is  held, 
Ye  have  not  doomed  all  utterly  the  Teucrian  folk  undone, 
When  ye  for  us  such  souls  of  youth,  such  hardy  hearts  have  won." 

So  saying  by  shoulder  and  by  hand  he  took  the  goodly  twain, 

While  all  his  countenance  and  cheeks  were  wet  with  plenteous  rain.  230 

"  What  gifts  may  I  deem  worthy,  men,  to  pay  such  hearts  athirst 

For  utmost  glory  ?  certainly  the  fairest  and  the  first 

The  Gods  and  your  own  hearts  shall  grant :  the  rest  your  lord  shall  gi^*, 

Godly  ^neas  ;  and  this  man  with  all  his  life  to  live, 

Ascanius  here,  no  memory  of  such  desert  shall  lack." 

"  But  I,"  Ascanius  breaketh  in,  "  whose  father  brought  aback 
Is  all  my  heal  —  Nisus,  I  pray  by  those  great  Gods  of  mine, 

15 


226  THE  ^ENEIDS  OF  VIRGIL. 

By  him  of  old,  Assaracus,  by  hoary  Vesta's  shrine, 

Bring  back  my  father !  whatsoe'er  is  left  with  me  to-day 

Of  Fate  or  Faith,  into  your  breasts  I  gi  2  it  all  away.  260 

0  give  me  back  the  sight  of  him,  and  gnef  is  all  gone  by. 
Two  cups  of  utter  silver  wrought  and  rough  with  imagery 

1  give  you,  which  my  father  took  from  wracked  Arisbe's  hold ; 
Two  tripods  eke,  two  talents  weight  of  fire-beproven  gold ; 

A  beaker  of  the  time  agone,  Sidonian  Dido's  gift. 

But  if  we  hap  to  win  the  day  and  spoil  of  battle  shift, 

If  we  lay  hand  on  Italy  and  staff  of  kingship  bear,  — 

Ye  saw  the  horse  that  bore  to-day  gold  Turnus  and  his  gear, 

That  very  same,  the  shield  withal,  and  helm-crest  ruddy  dyed, 

Thy  gifts,  O  Nisus,  from  the  spoil  henceforth  I  set  aside.  270 

Moreover  of  the  mother-folk  twice  six  most  excellent 

My  sire  shall  give,  and  captive  men  with  all  their  armament, 

And  therewithal  the  kingly  field,  Latinus'  garden-place. 

But  thou,  O  boy  most  worshipful,  vrhom  nigher  in  the  race 

Mine  own  years  follow,  thee  I  take  unto  mine  inmost  heart, 

Embracing  thee  my  very  friend  in  all  to  have  a  part ; 

Nor  any  glory  of  my  days  without  thee  shall  I  seek, 

Whether  I  fashion  peace  or  war  ;  all  that  I  do  or  speak 

I  trust  to  thee." 

In  answer  thus  Euryalus  'gan  say : 

"  No  day  henceforth  of  all  my  life  shall  prove  me  fallen  away  280 

From  this  my  deed  :  only  may  fate  in  kindly  wise  befall, 
Nor  stand  against  me  :  now  one  gift  I  ask  thee  over  all : 
I  have  a  mother  born  on  earth  from  Priam's  ancient  race, 
Who  wretched  in  the  land  of  Troy  had  no  abiding-place, 
Nor  in  Acesta's  steadfast  wall ;  with  me  she  still  must  wend  : 
Her,  who  knows  nought  of  this  my  risk,  whate'er  may  be  the  end 
Unto  thy  safeguard  do  I  leave  :  Night  and  thy  right  hand  there 
Be  witness  that  my  mother's  tears  I  had  no  heart  to  bear. 
But  solace  thou  her  lack,  I  pray ;  comfort  her  desert  need ; 


BOOK  IX.  227 

Yea  let  me  bear  this  hope  with  me,  and  boldlier  shall  I  speed  290 

Amid  all  haps." 

Touched  to  the  heart  the  Dardans  might  not  keep 
Their  tears  aback,  and  chief  of  all  did  fair  lulus  weep, 
The  image  of  his  father's  love  so  flashed  upon  his  soul : 
And  therewithal  he  spake  the  word : 

"  All  things  I  duly  answer  for  worthy  thy  deed  of  fame ; 

Thy  mother  shall  my  mother  be,  nor  lack  but  e'en  the  name 

To  be  Cre'usa :  store  of  thanks  no  little  hath  she  won 

That  bore  thee.     Whatsoever  hap  thy  valorous  deed  bear  on, 

By  this  my  head,  whereon  my  sire  is  wont  the  troth  to  plight, 

Whate'er  I  promised  thee  come  back,  with  all  things  wrought  aright,    300 

Thy  mother  and  thy  kin  shall  bide  that  very  same  reward." 

So  spake  he,  weeping,  and  did  off  his  shoulder-girded  sword 

All  golden,  that  with  wondrous  craft  Lycaon  out  of  Crete 

Had  fashioned,  fitting  it  withal  in  ivory  scabbard  meet. 

And  Mnestheus  unto  Nisus  gives  a  stripped-off  lion's  hide 

And  shaggy  coat ;  and  helm  for  helm  giveth  Aletes  tried. 

Then  forth  they  wend  in  weed  of  war,  and  they  of  first  estate, 

Young  men  and  old,  wend  forth  with  them,  and  leave  them  at  the  gate 

With  following  vows  ;  and  therewithal  lulus,  goodly-wrought, 

Who  far  beyond  his  tender  years  had  mind  of  manly  thought,  310 

Charged  them  with  many  messages  unto  his  father's  ear,  — 

Vain  words  the  night-winds  bore  away  and  gave  the  clouds  to  bear. 

Forth  now  they  wend  and  pass  the  ditch,  and  through  the  mirk  night  gain 

The  baneful  camp  :  yet  ere  their  death  they  two  shall  be  the  bane 

Of  many  :  bodies  laid  in  sleep  and  wine  they  see  strewed  o'er 

The  herbage,  and  the  battle-cars  upreared  along  the  shore ; 

And  mid  the  reins  and  wheels  thereof  are  men  and  weapons  blent 

With  wine-jars :  so  Hyrtacides  such  word  from  tooth-hedge  sent : 


228  THE  ^ENEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

"  Euryalus,  the  hand  must  dare,  the  time  cries  on  the  deed ; 

Here  lies  the  way :  do  thou  afar  keep  watch  and  have  good  heed,        320 

Lest  any  hand  aback  of  us  arise  'gainst  thee  and  me : 

Here  will  I  make  a  waste  forsooth,  and  wide  thy  way  shall  be." 

He  speaks,  and  hushes  all  his  voice,  and  so  with  naked  blade 

Falls  on  proud  Rhamnes  ;  who,  as  happed,  on  piled-up  carpets  laid, 

Amid  his  sleep  was  blowing  forth  great  voice  from  inner  breast. 

A  king  he  was  ;  king  Turnus'  seer,  of  all  beloved  best ; 

Yet  nought  availed  his  wizardry  to  drive  his  bane  away. 

Three  thralls  unware,  as  heeding  nought  amid  the  spears  they  lay, 

He  endeth :  Remus,  shield-bearer  withal  and  charioteer,  329 

Caught  'neath  the  very  steeds :  his  sword  their  drooping  necks  doth  shear  ; 

Then  from  their  lord  he  takes  the  head,  and  leaves  the  trunk  to  spout 

Gushes  of  blood :  the  earth  is  warm  with  black  gore  all  about. 

The  beds  are  wet.     There  Lamyrus  and  Lamus  doth  he  slay, 

And  young  Serranus  fair  of  face,  who  played  the  night  away 

For  many  an  hour,  until  his  limbs  'neath  God's  abundance  failed, 

And  down  he  lay  :  ah  !  happier  'twere  if  he  had  still  prevailed 

To  make  the  live-long  night  one  game  until  the  morning  cold. 

As  famished  lion  Nisus  fares  amid  the  sheep-filled  fold, 

When  ravening  hunger  driveth  on ;  the  soft  things,  dumb  with  dread, 

He  draggeth  off,  devouring  them,  and  foams  from  mouth  blood-red.     343 

Nor  less  the  death  Euryalus  hath  wrought ;  for  all  aflame 

He  wades  in  wrath,  and  on  the  way  slays  many  lacking  name : 

Fadus,  Herbesus  therewithal,  Rhcetus  and  Abaris ; 

Unwary  they :  but  Rhcetus  waked,  and  looking  on  all  this, 

Fulfilled  of  fear  was  hiding  him  behind  a  wine-jar  pressed : 

The  foe  was  on  him  as  he  rose ;  the  sword-blade  pierced  his  breast 

Up  to  the  hilts,  and  drew  aback  abundant  stream  of  death. 

His  purple  life  he  poureth  forth,  and,  dying,  vomiteth 

Blent  blood  and  wine.    On  death-stealth  still  onward  the  Trojan  went, 


BOOK  IX.  229 

And  toward  Messapus'  leaguer  drew,  where  watch-fires  well-nigh  spent 
He  saw,  and  horses  all  about,  tethered  in  order  due,  351 

Cropping  the  grass  :  but  Nisus  spake  in  hasty  words  and  few, 
Seeing  him  borne  away  by  lust  of  slaughter  overmuch  : 

"  Hold  we  our  hands,  for  dawn  our  foe  hasteth  the  world  to  touch : 
Deep  have  we  drunk  of  death,  and  cut  a  road  amid  the  foe." 

The  gear  of  men  full  goodly-wrought  of  silver  through  and  through 
They  leave  behind,  and  bowls  therewith,  and  carpets  fashioned  fair. 
Natheless  Euryalus  caught  up  the  prophet  Rhamnes'  gear 
And  gold-bossed  belt,  which  Caedicus,  the  wealthy  man  of  old, 
Sent  to  Tiburtine  Remulus,  that  he  his  name  might  hold,  360 

Though  far  he  were  ;  who,  dying,  gave  his  grandson  their  delight ; 
And  he  being  dead,  Rutulian  men  won  them  in  war  and  fight. 
These  now  he  takes,  and  all  for  nought  does  on  his  valorous  breast. 
And  dons  Messapus'  handy  helm  with  goodly-fashioned  crest, 
Wherewith  they  leave  the  camp  and  gain  the  road  that  safer  lay. 

But  horsemen  from  the  Latin  town  meantime  were  on  the  way, 

Sent  on  before  to  carry  word  to  Turnus,  lord  and  king, 

While  in  array  amid  the  fields  the  host  was  tarrying. 

Three  hundred  knights,  all  shielded  folk,  'neath  Volscens  do  they  fare. 

And  now  they  drew  anigh  the  camp  and  'neath  its  rampart  were,         370 

When  from  afar  they  saw  the  twain  on  left-hand  footway  lurk  ; 

Because  Euryalus '  fair  helm  mid  glimmer  of  the  mirk 

Betrayed  the  heedless  youth,  and  flashed  the  moonbeams  back  again. 

Nor  was  the  sight  unheeded :  straight  cries  Volscens  midst  his  men : 

"  Stand  ho  !  why  thus  afoot,  and  why  in  weapons  do  ye  wend, 

And  whither  go  ye  ? " 

Nought  had  they  an  answer  back  to  send, 

But  speed  their  fleeing  mid  the  brake,  and  trust  them  to  the  night ; 
The  horsemen  cast  themselves  before  each  crossway  known  aright, 


23o  THE  JENEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

And  every  outgoing  there  is  with  guard  they  girdle  round.  379 

Rough  was  the  wood ;  a  thicket-place  where  black  holm-oaks  abound, 

And  with  the  tanglement  of  thorns  choked  up  on  every  side, 

The  road  but  glimmering  faintly  out  from  where  the  foot-tracks  hide. 

The  blackness  of  o'erhanging  boughs  and  heavy  battle-prey 

Hinder  Euryalus,  and  fear  beguiles  him  of  the  way. 

Nisus  comes  out,  and  now  had  won  unwitting  from  the  foe, 

And  reached  the  place  from  Alba's  name  called  Alban  Meadows  now ; 

Where  King  Latinus  had  as  then  his  high-built  herd-houses. 

So  there  he  stands,  and,  looking  round,  his  fellow  nowhere  sees : 

"  Hapless  Euryalus !  ah  me,  where  have  I  left  thy  face  ? 

Where  shall  I  seek  thee,  gathering  up  that  tangle  of  the  ways  390 

Through  the  blind  wood  ? " 

So  therewithal  he  turns  upon  his  track, 

Noting  his  footsteps,  and  amid  the  hushed  brake  strays  aback, 
Hearkening  the  horse-hoofs  and  halloos  and  calls  of  following  folk. 
Nor  had  he  long  abided  there,  ere  on  his  ears  outbroke 
Great  clamour,  and  Euryalus  he  sees,  whom  all  the  band 
Hath  taken,  overcome  by  night,  and  blindness  of  the  land, 
.And  wildering  tumult :  there  in  vain  he  strives  in  battle-play. 
Ah,  what  to  do  ?    What  force  to  dare,  what  stroke  to  snatch  away 
The  youth  ?    Or  shall  he  cast  himself  amid  the  swords  to  die, 
And  hasten  down  the  way  of  wounds  to  lovely  death  anigh  ?  400 

Then  swiftly,  with  his  arm  drawn  back  and  brandishing  his  spear 
He  looks  up  at  the  moon  aloft,  and  thuswise  poureth  prayer : 

"To  aid,  thou  Goddess !     Stay  my  toil,  and  let  the  end  be  good ! 

Latonian  glory  of  the  stars,  fair  watcher  of  the  wood, 

If  ever  any  gift  for  me  upon  thine  altars  gave 

My  father  Hyrtacus ;  if  I  for  thee  the  hunting  drave ; 

If  aught  I  hung  upon  thy  dome,  or  set  upon  thy  roof, 

Give  me  to  break  their  gathered  host,  guide  thou  my  steel  aloof  1 " 


BOOK  IX.  231 

He  spake,  and  in  the  shafted  steel  set  all  his  body's  might,  409 

And  hurled  it :  flying  forth  the  spear  clave  through  the  dusk  of  night, 

And,  reaching  Sulmo  turned  away,  amidst  his  back  it  flew, 

And  brake  there ;  but  the  splintering  shaft  his  very  heart  pierced  through, 

And  o'er  he  rolleth,  vomiting  the  hot  stream  from  his  breast : 

Then  heave  his  flanks  with  long-drawn  sobs  and  cold  he  lies  at  rest. 

On  all  sides  then  they  peer  about :  but,  whetted  on  thereby, 

The  quivering  shaft  from  o'er  his  ear  again  he  letteth  fly. 

Amid  their  wilderment  the  spear  whistleth  through  either  side 

Of  Tagus'  temples,  and  wet-hot  amidst  his  brain  doth  bide. 

Fierce  Volscens  rageth,  seeing  none  who  might  the  spear-shot  send, 

Or  any  man  on  whom  his  wrath  and  heat  of  heart  to  spend.  420 

"  But  thou,  at  least,  with  thine  hot  blood  shalt  pay  the  due  award 

For  both,"  he  cries ;  and  therewithal,  swift  drawing  forth  the  sword, 

He  falleth  on  Euryalus.     Then,  wild  with  all  affright, 

Nisus  shrieks  out,  and  cares  no  more  to  cloak  himself  with  night, 

And  hath  no  heart  to  bear  against  so  great  a  misery. 

"  On  me,  me !     Here  —  I  did  the  deed  !  turn  ye  the  sword  on  me, 

Rutulians  !  —  all  the  guilt  is  mine :  he  might  not  do  nor  dare. 

May  heaven  and  those  all-knowing  stars  true  witness  of  it  bear! 

Only  with  too  exceeding  love  he  loved  his  hapless  friend."  429 

Such  words  he  poured  forth,  but  the  sword  no  less  its  way  doth  wend, 
Piercing  the  flank  and  rending  through  the  goodly  breast  of  him ; 
And  rolls  Euryalus  in  death :  in  plenteous  blood  they  swim 
His  lovely  limbs,  his  drooping  neck  low  on  his  shoulder  lies ; 
As  when  the  purple  field-flower  faints  before  the  plough  and  dies, 
Or  poppies  when  they  hang  their  heads  on  wearied  stems  outworn, 
When  haply  by  the  rainy  load  their  might  is  overborne. 

Then  Nisus  falls  amidst  of  them,  and  Volscens  seeks  alone 
For  aught  that  any  man  may  do :  save  him  he  heedeth  none. 


232  THE  ^ENEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

About  him  throng  the  foe :  all  round  the  strokes  on  him  are  laid 

To  thrust  him  off :  but  on  he  bears,  whirling  his  lightning  blade,          440 

Till  full  in  Volscens'  shouting  mouth  he  burieth  it  at  last, 

Tearing  the  life  from  out  the  foe,  as  forth  his  own  life  passed. 

Then,  ploughed  with  wounds,  he  cast  him  down  upon  his  lifeless  friend, 

And  so  in  quietness  of  death  gat  resting  in  the  end. 

O  happy  twain,  if  anywise  my  song-craft  may  avail, 

From  o'ut  the  memory  of  the  world  no  day  shall  blot  your  tale, 

While  on  the  rock-fast  Capitol  JEneas'  house  abides, 

And  while  the  Roman  Father  still  the  might  of  empire  guides. 

The  Rutuli,  victorious  now  with  spoils  and  prey  of  war, 

But  sorrowing  still,  amid  the  camp  the  perished  Volscens  bore.  450 

Nor  in  the  camp  was  grief  the  less,  when  they  on  Rhamnes  came 

Bloodless  ;  and  many  a  chief  cut  off  by  one  death  and  the  same  ; 

Serranus  dead  and  Numa  dead :  a  many  then  they  swarm 

About  the  dead  and  dying  men,  and  places  wet  and  warm 

With  new-wrought  death,  and  runnels  full  with  plenteous  foaming  blood. 

Then  one  by  one  the  spoils  they  note  ;  the  glittering  helm  and  good 

Messapus  owned :  the  gear  such  toil  had  won  back  from  the  dead. 

But  timely  now  Aurora  left  Tithonus'  saffron  bed, 

And  over  earth  went  scattering  wide  the  light  of  new-born  day : 

The  sun-flood  flowed,  and  all  the  world  unveiled  by  daylight  lay.          460 

Then  Turnus,  clad  in  arms  himself,  wakes  up  the  host  to  arms, 

And  every  lord  to  war-array  bids  on  his  brazen  swarms  ; 

And  men  with  diverse  tidings  told  their  battle-anger  whet. 

Moreover  (miserable  sight !)  on  upraised  spears  they  set 

Those  heads,  and  follow  them  about  with  most  abundant  noise, 

Euryalus  and  Nisus  dead. 

Meanwhile  Eneas'  hardy  sons  upon  their  leftward  wall 


BOOK  IX.  233 

Stand  in  array ;  for  on  the  right  the  river  girdeth  all. 

In  woe  they  ward  the  ditches  deep,  and  on  the  towers  on  high  469 

Stand  sorrowing ;  for  those  heads  upreared  touch  all  their  hearts  anigh, 

Known  overwell  to  their  sad  eyes  mid  the  black  flow  of  gore. 

Therewith  in  winged  fluttering  haste,  the  trembling  city  o'er 

Goes  tell-tale  Fame,  and  swift  amidst  the  mother's  ears  doth  glide ; 

And  changed  she  was,  nor  in  her  bones  the  life-heat  would  abide : 

The  shuttle  falls  from  out  her  hand,  unrolled  the  web  doth  fall, 

And  with  a  woman's  hapless  shrieks  she  flieth  to  the  wall : 

Rending  her  hair,  beside  herself,  she  faced  the  front  of  fight, 

Heedless  of  men,  and  haps  of  death,  and  all  the  weapons'  flight, 

And  there  the  very  heavens  she  filled  with  wailing  of  her  grief : 

"  O  son,  and  do  I  see  thee  so  ?    Thou  rest  and  last  relief  480 

Of  my  old  days  !  hadst  thou  the  heart  to  leave  me  lone  and  spent  ? 
O  cruel !  might  I  see  thee  not  on  such  a  peril  sent? 
Was  there  no  time  for  one  last  word  amid  my  misery? 
A  prey  for  Latin  fowl  and  dogs  how  doth  thy  body  lie, 
On  lands  uncouth !     Not  e'en  may  I,  thy  mother,  streak  thee,  son, 
Thy  body  dead ;  or  close  thine  eyes,  or  wash  thy  wounds  well  won, 
Or  shroud  thee  in  the  cloth  I  wrought  for  thee  by  night  and  day, 
When  hastening  on  the  weaving-task  I  kept  eld's  cares  at  bay  ? 
Where  shall  I  seek  thee  ?    What  earth  hides  thy  body,  mangled  sore, 
And  perished  limbs  ?     O  son,  to  me  bringest  thou  back  no  more          493 
Than  this  ?  and  have  I  followed  this  o'er  every  land  and  sea  ? 
O  pierce  me  through,  if  ye  be  kind  ;  turn  all  your  points  on  me, 
Rutulians  !     Let  me  first  of  all  with  battle-steel  be  sped ! 
Father  of  Gods,  have  mercy  thou !    Thrust  down  the  hated  head 
Beneath  the  House  of  Tartarus  with  thine  own  weapon's  stress, 
Since  otherwise  I  may  not  break  my  life-days'  bitterness." 

Their  hearts  were  shaken  with  her  wail,  and  Sorrow  fain  will  weep, 
And  in  all  men  their  battle-might  unbroken  lay  asleep. 


234  THE  ^ENEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

But  Actor  and  Idaeus  take  that  flaming  misery, 

As  bade  Ilioneus,  and  young  lulus,  sore  as  he  500 

Went  weeping  :  back  in  arms  therewith  they  bear  her  'neath  the  roof. 

But  now  the  trump  with  brazen  song  cast  fearful  sound  aloof, 

Chiding  to  war ;  and  shouts  rise  up  and  belloweth  back  the  heaven, 

And  forth  the  Volscians  fare  to  speed  the  shield-roof  timely  driven. 

Some  men  fall  on  to  fill  the  ditch  and  pluck  the  ramparts  down  ; 

Some  seek  approach  and  ladders  lay  where  daylight  rends  the  crown 

Of  wall-wards,  and  would  get  them  up  where  stands  the  hedge  of  war 

Thinner  of  men  :  against  their  way  the  Teucrian  warders  pour 

All  weapon-shot :  with  hard-head  pikes  they  thrust  them  down  the  steep. 

Long  was  the  war  wherein  they  learned  the  battle-wall  to  keep.  510 

Stones,  too,  of  deadly  weight  they  roll,  if  haply  they  may  break 

The  shield-roof  of  the  battle-rush ;  but  sturdily  those  take 

All  chances  of  the  play  beneath  their  close  and  well-knit  hold. 

Yet  fail  they ;  for  when  hard  at  hand  their  world  of  war  was  rolled, 

A  mighty  mass  by  Teucrians  moved  rolls  on  and  rushes  o'er, 

And  fells  the  host  of  Rutuli  and  breaks  the  tiles  of  war. 

Nor  longer  now  the  Rutuli,  the  daring  hearts,  may  bear 

To  play  with  Mars  amid  the  dark,  but  strive  the  walls  to  clear 

With  storm  of  shaft  and  weapon  shot. 

But  now  Mezentius  otherwhere,  a  fearful  sight  to  see,  520 

Was  tossing  high  the  Tuscan  pine  with  smoke-wreathed  fiery  heart : 
While  Neptune's  child,  the  horse-tamer  Messapus,  played  his  part, 
Rending  the  wall,  and  crying  out  for  ladders  to  be  laid. 

Speak,  Song-maids  :  thou,  Calliope,  give  thou  the  singer  aid 
To  tell  what  wise  by  Turnus'  sword  the  field  of  fight  was  strown  , 
What  death  he  wrought ;  what  man  each  man  to  Orcus  sent  adown. 
Fall  to  with  me  to  roll  abroad  the  mighty  skirts  of  war, 
Ye,  Goddesses,  remember  all,  and  ye  may  tell  it  o'er. 


BOOK    IX.  235 

There  was  a  tower  built  high  o'erhead,  with  gangways  up  in  air, 

Set  well  for  fight,  'gainst  which  the  foe  their  utmost  war-might  bear,    530 

And  all  Italians  strive  their  most  to  work  its  overthrow : 

'  Gainst  whom  the  Trojans  ward  it  well,  casting  the  stones  below, 

And  through  the  hollow  windows  speed  the  shot-storm  thick  and  fast. 

There  Turnus  first,  of  all  his  folk  a  flaming  fire-brand  cast, 

And  fixed  it  in  the  turret's  flank  :  wind-nursed  it  caught  great  space 

Of  planking,  and  amid  the  doors,  consuming,  kept  its  place. 

Then  they  within,  bewildered  sore,  to  flee  their  ills  are  fain, 

But  all  for  nought ;  for  while  therein  they  huddle  from  the  bane, 

And  draw  aback  to  place  yet  free  from  ruin,  suddenly  539 

O'erweighted  toppleth  down  the  tower,  and  thundereth  through  the  sky. 

Half-dead  the  warders  fall  to  earth  by  world  of  wrack  o'erborne, 

Pierced  with  their  own  shafts,  and  their  breasts  with  hardened  splinters  torn. 

Yea,  Lycus  and  Helenor  came  alone  of  all  their  peers 

Alive  to  earth :  Helenor,  now  in  spring-tide  of  his  years  : 

Bond-maid  Licymnia  privily  to  that  Maeonian  king 

Had  born  the  lad,  and  sent  him  forth  to  Troy's  beleaguering 

With  arms  forbidden,  sheathless  sword  and  churl's  unpainted  shield. 

But  when  he  saw  himself  amidst  the  thousand-sworded  field 

Of  Turnus,  Latins  on  each  side,  behind,  and  full  in  face, 

E'en  as  a  wild  beast  hedged  about  by  girdle  of  the  chase  550 

Rages  against  the  point  and  edge,  and,  knowing  death  a-near, 

Leaps  forth,  and  far  is  borne  away  down  on  the  hunter's  spear ; 

Not  otherwise  the  youth  falls  on  where  thickest  spear-points  lie, 

And  in  the  middle  of  the  foe  he  casts  himself  to  die. 

But  Lycus,  nimbler  far  of  foot,  betwixt  the  foemen  slipped, 

Betwixt  the  swords,  and  gained  the  wall,  and  at  the  coping  gripped, 

And  strove  to  draw  him  up  with  hand,  the  friendly  hands  to  feel ; 

But  Turnus  both  with  foot  and  spear  hath  followed  hard  at  heel, 

And  mocks  him  thus  in  victory :  "  How  was  thy  hope  so  grown 

Of  'scaping  from  my  hand,  O  fool  ? "  560 


»36  THE  ^ENEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

Therewith  he  plucks  him  down 

From  where  he  hung,  and  space  of  wall  tears  downward  with  the  man. 
As  when  it  chanceth  that  a  hare  or  snowy-bodied  swan 
Jove's  shield-bearer  hath  borne  aloft  in  snatching  hooked  feet ; 
Or  lamb,  whose  mother  seeketh  him  with  most  abundant  bleat, 
Some  wolf  of  Mars  from  fold  hath  caught 

Goes  up  great  cry  around  : 

They  set  on,  and  the  ditches  filled  with  o'erturned  garth  and  mound, 
While  others  cast  the  blazing  brands  on  roof  and  battlement. 
Ilioneus  with  mighty  stone,  a  shard  from  hillside  rent, 
Lucetius  felled,  as  fire  in  hand  unto  the  gate  he  drew. 
Then  Liger  felled  Emathion,  for  craft  of  spear  he  knew;  570 

Asylas  Corynaeus,  by  dint  of  skill  in  bowshaft's  ways, 
Caeneus  Ortygius  fells,  and  him,  victorious,  Turnus  slays, 
And  Itys,  Clonius,  Promolus,  Dioxippus  withal, 
And  Sagaris,  and  Idas  set  on  topmost  turret-wall. 
Then  Capys  slays  Privernus ;  him  Themilla's  light-winged  spear 
Had  grazed,  whereon  he  dropped  his  shield,  and  his  left  hand  did  bear 
Upon  the  hurt ;  when  lo,  thereto  the  winged  shaft  did  win, 
And  nailed  the  hand  unto  the  side,  and,  buried  deep  within, 
Burst  all  the  breathing-ways  of  life  with  deadly  fatal  sore. 
But  lo,  where  standeth  Arcens'  child  in  goodly  weed  of  war,  580 

Fair  with  his  needle-painted  cloak,  with  Spanish  scarlet  bright, 
Noble  of  face :  Arcens,  his  sire,  had  sent  him  to  the  fight 
From  nursing  of  his  mother's  grove  about  Symaethia's  flood, 
Whereby  Palicus'  altar  stands,  the  wealthy  and  the  good. 
Mezentius  now  laid  by  his  spear,  and  took  his  whistling  sling, 
And  whirled  it  thrice  about  his  head  at  length  of  tugging  string, 
And  with  the  flight  of  molten  lead  his  midmost  forehead  clave, 
And  to  the  deep  abundant  sand  his  outstretched  body  gave. 

Then  first  they  say  Ascanius  aimed  his  speedy  shafts  in  war, 

Wherewith  but  fleeing  beasts  afield  he  used  to  fright  before :  590 


BOOK  IX.  237 

But  now  at  last  his  own  right  hand  the  stark  Numanus  slays, 
Who  had  to  surname  Remulus,  and  in  these  latter  days 
King  Turnus'  sister,  young  of  years,  had  taken  to  his  bed : 
He  in  the  forefront  of  the  fight  kept  crying  out,  and  said 
Things  worthy  and  unworthy  tale :  puffed  up  with  pride  of  place 
New-won  he  went,  still  clamouring  out  his  greatness  and  his  grace. 

"  O  twice-caught  Phrygians,  shames  you  nought  thus  twice  amid  the  wars 

To  lie  in  bonds,  and  stretch  out  walls  before  the  march  of  Mars  ? 

Lo,  these  are  they  who  woke  the  war  the  wives  of  us  to  wed ! 

What  God  sent  you  to  Italy?  what  madness  hither  sped?  600 

Here  are  no  Atreus'  sons,  and  no  Ulysses  word-weaver. 

A  people  hard  from  earliest  spring  our  new-born  sons  we  bear 

Unto  the  stream,  and  harden  us  with  bitter  frost  and  flood. 

Our  lads,  they  wake  the  dawning-chase  and  wear  the  tangled  wood ; 

Our  sport  is  taming  of  the  horse  and  drawing  shafted  bow ; 

Our  carles,  who  bear  a  world  of  toil,  and  hunger-pinching  know, 

Tame  earth  with  spade,  or  shake  with  war  the  cities  of  the  folk. 

Yea,  all  our  life  with  steel  is  worn ;  afield  we  drive  the  yoke 

With  spear-shaft  turned  about :  nor  doth  a  halting  eld  of  sloth 

Weaken  our  mightiness  of  soul,  or  change  our  glory's-growth.  610 

We  do  the  helm  on  hoary  hairs,  and  ever  deem  it  good 

To  drive  the  foray  day  by  day,  and  make  the  spoil  our  food. 

But  ye  —  the  raiment  saffron-stained,  with  purple  glow  tricked  out  — 

These  are  your  heart-joys  ;  ye  are  glad  to  lead  the  dance  about. 

Sleeve-coated  folk,  O  ribbon-coifed,  not  even  Phrygian  men, 

But  Phrygian  wives,  to  Dindymus  the  high  go  get  ye  then ! 

To  hear  the  flute's  twi-mouthed  song  as  ye  are  wont  to  do ! 

The  Berecynthian  Mother's  box  and  cymbals  call  to  you 

From  Ida :  let  men  deal  with  war,  and  drop  adown  your  swords." 

That  singer  of  such  wicked  speech,  that  caster  forth  of  words,  620 

Ascanius  brooked  not :  breasting  now  his  horsehair  full  at  strain, 


238  THE  ^ENEIDS  OF  VIRGIL. 

He  aimed  the  shaft,  and  there  withal  drew  either  arm  atwain, 
And  stood  so ;  but  to  Jupiter  first  suppliant  fell  to  pray : 

"  O  Jove  Almighty,  to  my  deeds,  thus  new-begun,  nod  yea, 

And  I  myself  unto  thy  fane  the  yearly  gifts  will  bear, 

And  bring  before  thine  altar-stead  a  snow-white  gilt-horned  steer, 

Whose  head  unto  his  mother's  head  is  evenly  upborne, 

Of  age  to  spurn  the  sand  with  hoof  and  battle  with  the  horn." 

The  Father  heard,  and  out  of  heaven,  wherein  no  cloud-fleck  hung, 

His  leftward  thunder  fell,  wherewith  the  fateful  bow  outrung,  630 

The  back-drawn  shaft  went  whistling  forth  with  deadful  sound,  and  sped 

To  pierce  the  skull  of  Remulus  and  hollow  of  his  head : 

"  Go  to,  then,  and  thy  mocking  words  upon  men's  valour  call, 

The  twice-caught  Phrygians  answer  back  Rutulians  herewithal." 

This  only  word  Ascanius  spake :  the  Teucrians  raise  their  cry 

And  shout  for  joy,  and  lift  their  heart  aloft  unto  the  sky. 

Long-haired  Apollo  then  by  hap  high-set  in  airy  place, 

Looked  down  upon  Ausonian  host  and  leaguered  city's  case, 

And  thus  the  victor  he  bespeaks  from  lofty  seat  of  cloud : 

"  Speed  on  in  new-born  valour,  child !  this  is  the  starward  road,  640 

O  son  of  Gods  and  sire  of  Gods !    Well  have  the  Fates  ordained 

That  'neath  Assaracus  one  day  all  war  shall  be  refrained. 

No  Troy  shall  hold  thee." 

With  that  word  he  stoops  from  heaven  aloft 
And  puts  away  on  either  side  the  wind  that  meets  him  soft, 
And  seeks  Ascanius :  changed  is  he  withal,  and  putteth  on 
The  shape  of  Butes  old  of  days,  shield-bearer  time  agone 
Unto  Anchises,  Dardan  king,  and  door-ward  true  and  tried ; 
But  with  Ascanius  now  his  sire  had  bidden  him  abide. 
Like  this  old  man  in  every  wise,  voice,  hue,  and  hoary  hair, 
And  arms  that  cried  on  cruel  war,  now  did  Apollo  fare,  650 


BOOK  IX.  239 

And  to  lulus  hot  of  heart  in  such  wise  went  his  speech : 

"  Enough,  O  child  of  ./Eneas,  that  thou  with  shaft  didst  reach 
Numanus'  life  unharmed  thyself,  great  Phoebus  grants  thee  this, 
Thy  first-born  praise,  nor  grudgeth  thee  like  weapons  unto  his. 
But  now  refrain  thy  youth  from  war." 

t  So  spake  Apollo  then, 

And  in  the  midmost  of  his  speech  fled  sight  of  mortal  men, 
And  faded  from  their  eyes  away  afar  amid  the  air. 
The  Dardan  dukes,  they  knew  the  God  and  holy  shooting-gear, 
And  as  he  fled  away  from  them  they  heard  his  quiver  shrill. 
Therefore  Ascanius,  fain  of  fight,  by  Phcebus'  word  and  will  660 

They  hold  aback  :  but  they  themselves  fare  to  the  fight  again, 
And  cast  their  souls  amidst  of  all  the  perils  bare  and  plain. 

Then  goes  the  shout  adown  the  wall,  along  the  battlement ; 

The  javelin-throngs  are  whirled  about,  the  sharp-springed  bows  are  bent, 

And  all  the  earth  is  strewn  with  shot :  the  shield,  the  helmet's  cup, 

Ring  out  again  with  weapon-dint  and  fierce  the  fight  springs  up. 

As  great  as,  when  the  watery  kids  are  setting,  beats  the  rain 

Upon  the  earth  ;  as  plentiful  as  when  upon  the  main 

The  hail-clouds  fall,  when  Jupiter,  fierce  with  the  southern  blasts, 

Breaks  up  the  hollow  clouds  of  heaven  and  watery  whirl  downcasts.    670 

Now  Pandarus  and  Bitias  stark,  Idan  Alcanor's  seed, 

They  whom  laera  of  the  woods  in  Jove's  brake  nursed  with  heed, 

Youths  tall  as  firs  or  mountain-cliffs  that  in  their  country  are, 

The  gate  their  lord  hath  bid  them  keep,  these  freely  now  unbar, 

And  freely  bid  the  foeman  in,  trusting  to  stroke  of  hand  ; 

But  they  themselves  to  right  and  left  before  the  gate-towers  stand, 

Steel-clad,  and  with  their  lofty  heads  crested  with  glittering  gleams ; 

E'en  as  amid  the  air  of  heaven,  beside  the  flowing  streams 

On  rim  of  Padus,  or  anigh  soft  Athesis  and  sweet, 


24o  THE  ^ENEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

Twin  oak-trees  spring,  and  tops  unshorn  uprear  the  skies  to  meet,        680 
And  with  their  heads  high  over  earth  nod  ever  in  the  wind. 

So  now  the  Rutuli  fall  on  when  clear  the  way  they  find, 

But  Quercens,  and  ^Equicolus  the  lovely  war-clad  one, 

And  Tmarus  of  the  headlong  soul,  and  Haemon,  Mavors'  son, 

Must  either  turn  their  backs  in  flight,  with  all  their  men  of  war, 

Or  lay  adown  their  loved  lives  on  threshold  of  the  door. 

Then  bitterer  waxeth  battle-rage  in  hate  fulfilled  hearts, 

And  there  the  Trojans  draw  to  head  and  gather  from  all  parts, 

Eager  to  deal  in  handy  strokes,  full  fierce  afield  to  fare. 

But  as  duke  Turnus  through  the  fight  was  raging  otherwhere,  690 

Confounding  folk,  there  came  a  man  with  tidings  that  the  foe, 

Hot  with  new  death,  the  door-leaves  wide  to  all  incomers  throw. 

Therewith  he  leaves  the  work  in  hand,  and,  stirred  by  anger's  goad, 

Against  the  Dardan  gate  goes  forth,  against  the  brethren  proud  : 

There  first  Antiphates  he  slew,  who  fought  amid  the  first, 

The  bastard  of  Sarpedon  tall,  by  Theban  mother  nursed. 

With  javelin-cast  he  laid  him  low :  the  Italian  cornel  flies 

Through  the  thin  air,  pierceth  his  maw,  and  'neath  his  breast-bone  lies 

Deep  down ;  the  hollow  wound-cave  pours  a  flood  of  gore  and  foam, 

And  warm  amid  him  lies  the  steel,  amid  his  lung  gone  home.  700 

Then  Meropes',  and  Erymas',  Aphidnus'  lives  he  spilled ; 

Then  Bitias  of  the  flaming  eyes  and  heart  with  ire  fulfilled ;  — 

Not  with  the  dart,  for  to  no  dart  his  life-breath  had  he  given  ;  — 

But  whirled  and  whizzing  mightily  came  on  the  sling-spear,  driven 

Like  lightning-flash ;  against  whose  dint  two  bull-hides  nought  availed, 

Nor  yet  the  golden  faithful  fence  of  war-coat  double-scaled : 

His  fainting  limbs  fell  down  afield,  and  earth  gave  out  a  groan, 

And  rang  the  thunder  of  his  shield  huge  on  his  body  thrown : 

E'en  as  upon  Eubcean  shore  of  Baiae  falleth  whiles 

A  stony  pillar,  which  built  up  of  mighty  bonded  piles  710 


BOOK  IX.  241 

They  set  amid  the  sea :  suchwise  it  draggeth  mighty  wrack 
Headlong  adown,  and  deep  in  sea  it  lieth  dashed  aback : 
The  seas  are  blent,  black  whirl  of  sand  goes  up  confusedly ; 
And  with  the  noise  quakes  Prochytas,  and  quakes  Inarime, 
The  unsoft  bed  by  Jove's  command  upon  Typhceus  laid. 

Then  Mars,  the  mighty  in  the  war,  brings  force  and  strength  to  aid 

The  Latin  men,  and  in  their  hearts  he  stirs  his  bitter  goads, 

The  while  with  fleeing  and  black  fear  the  Teucrian  heart  he  loads : 

From  everywhither  run  the  folk,  since  here  is  battle  rich, 

And  in  all  hearts  the  war-god  wakes.  720 

But  Pandarus,  beholding  now  his  brother  laid  to  earth, 

And  whitherward  wends  Fortune  now,  and  what  Time  brings  to  birth, 

Back-swinging  on  the  hinge  again  with  might  the  door-leaf  sends, 

By  struggle  of  his  shoulders  huge ;  and  many  of  his  friends 

Shut  outward  of  the  walls  he  leaves,  amid  the  fierce  debate ; 

While  others,  with  himself  shut  in,  poured  backward  through  the  gate. 

Madman  !  who  saw  not  how  the  king  Rutulian  mid  the  band 

Came  rushing,  but  amidst  the  town  now  shut  him  with  his  hand, 

E'en  as  a  tiger  pent  amidst  a  helpless  flock  of  sheep. 

Then  dreadfully  his  armour  rings,  light  from  his  eyes  doth  leap,  —       730 

A  strange  new  light :  the  blood-red  crest  upon  his  helm-top  quakes, 

And  from  the  circle  of  his  shield  a  glittering  lightning  breaks. 

Sudden  ^Eneas'  frighted  folk  behold  his  hated  face 

And  mighty  limbs  :  but  Pandarus  breaks  forth  amid  the  place 

Huge,  and  his  heart  afire  with  rage  for  his  lost  brother's  death. 

"  Nay,  this  is  not  Amata's  home,  the  dowry  house,"  he  saith, 

"  Nor  yet  doth  Ardea's  midmost  wall  hold  kindred  Turnus  in  : 

The  foeman's  camp  thou  seest,  wherefrom  thou  hast  no  might  to  win." 

But  from  his  all  untroubled  breast  laughed  Turnus,  as  he  said  : 

16 


242  THE  ^ENEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

"  Begin,  if  thou  hast  heart  thereto,  let  hand  to  hand  be  laid  !  740 

Thou  shalt  tell  Priam  how  thou  found'st  a  new  Achilles  here." 

He  spake :  the  other  put  all  strength  to  hurling  of  his  spear, 

A  shaft  all  rough  with  knots,  and  still  in  its  own  tree-bark  bound. 

Straightway  the  thin  air  caught  it  up,  but  that  swift-speeding  wound 

Saturnian  Juno  turned  aside  and  set  it  in  the  door. 

—  "  But  now  thou  'scapest  not  this  steel  mine  own  hand  maketh  sure, 

Nought  such  as  thine  the  weapon-smith,  the  wound-smith " 

With  the  word 

He  riseth  up  unto  the  high  uprising  of  the  sword, 
Wherewith  betwixt  the  temples  twain  he  clave  his  midmost  head, 
And  with  a  fearful  wound  apart  the  cheeks  unbearded  shred.  750 

Then  came  a  sound,  and  shook  the  earth  'neath  the  huge  weight  of  him : 
With  armour  wet  with  blood  and  brain,  with  fainting,  slackened  limb, 
He  strewed  the  ground  in  death ;  his  head,  sheared  clean  and  evenly, 
From  either  shoulder  hanging  down,  this  side  and  that  did  lie. 

Then  turn  and  flee  the  Trojan  folk,  by  quaking  terror  caught ; 

And  if  the  conquering  man  as  then  one  moment  had  had  thought 

To  burst  the  bolts  and  let  his  folk  in  through  the  opened  door, 

That  day  had  been  the  last  of  days  for  Trojans  and  their  war. 

But  utter  wrath  of  heart  and  soul,  and  wildering  lust  of  death 

Drave  him  afire  amidst  the  foe.  760 

Then  Phaleris  he  catcheth  up,  and  ham-strung  Gyges  then, 

Whose  spears,  snatched  up,  he  hurleth  on  against  the  backs  of  men ; 

For  Juno  finds  him  might  enough  and  heart  wherewith  to  do. 

Halys  he  sendeth  down  with  these,  Phegeus  with  targe  smit  through ; 

Then,  as  they  roused  the  war  on  wall,  nor  wotted  aught  of  this, 

Alcander  stark,  and  Halius  stout,  Noe'mon,  Prytanis. 

Then  Lynceus,  as  he  ran  to  aid  and  cheered  his  folk  withal, 

He  reacheth  at  with  sweeping  sword  from  right  hand  of  the  wall 

And  smiteth ;  and  his  helm  and  head,  struck  off  with  that  one  blow, 


BOOK  IX.  243 

Lie  far  away :  Amycus  then,  the  wood-deer's  wasting  foe,  770 

He  slayeth  :  happier  hand  had  none  in  smearing  of  the  shaft 
And  arming  of  the  iron  head  the  poison-wound  to  waft. 
Then  Clytius,  son  of  ^Eolus,  and  Cretheus  Muse-beloved,  — 
Cretheus  the  Muses'  fellow-friend,  whose  heart  was  ever  moved 
By  song  and  harp,  and  measured  sound  along  the  strained  string ; 
Who  still  of  steeds,  and  arms,  and  men,  and  battle-tide  would  sing. 

At  last  the  Trojan  dukes  of  men,  Mnestheus,  Serestus  fierce, 

Draw  to  a  head  when  all  this  death  is  borne  unto  their  ears, 

And  see  their  folk  all  scattering  wide,  the  foe  amidst  them  see.  779 

Then  Mnestheus  cries :  "And  whither  now,  and  whither  will  ye  flee? 

What  other  walls,  what  other  town  have  ye  a  hope  to  find  ? 

Hath  one  man,  O  my  town-fellows,  whom  your  own  ramparts  bind, 

Wrought  such  a  death  and  unavenged  amid  your  very  town, 

And  sent  so  many  lords  of  war  by  Orcus'  road  adown  ? 

O  dastards,  your  unhappy  land,  your  Gods  of  ancient  days, 

Your  great  JEneas  —  what !  no  shame,  no  pity  do  they  raise  ? " 

Fired  by  such  words,  they  gather  heart  and  stand  in  close  array, 

Till  step  by  step  'gins  Turnus  now  to  yield  him  from  the  play, 

And  seek  the  river  and  the  side  the  wet  wave  girds  about. 

Then  fiercer  fall  the  Teucrians  on,  and  raise  a  mighty  shout,  790 

And  lock  their  ranks :  as  when  a  crowd  of  menfolk  and  of  spears 

Falls  on  a  lion  hard  of  heart,  and  he,  beset  by  fears, 

But  fierce  and  grim-eyed,  yieldeth  way,  though  anger  and  his  worth 

Forbid  him  turn  his  back  about ;  no  less  to  fare  right  forth 

Through  spears  and  men  avails  him  nought,  though  ne'er  so  fain  he  be. 

Not  otherwise  unhasty  feet  drew  Turnus  doubtfully 

Abackward,  all  his  heart  a-boil  with  anger's  overflow. 

Yea,  twice,  indeed,  he  falls  again  amidmost  of  the  foe, 

And  twice  more  turns  to  huddled  flight  their  folk  along  the  walls : 

But,  gathered  from  the  camp  about,  the  whole  host  on  him  falls,  800 


244  THE  ^ENEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

Nor  durst  Saturnian  Juno  now  his  might  against  them  stay ; 

For  Jupiter  from  heaven  hath  sent  Iris  of  airy  way, 

No  soft  commands  of  his  high  doom  bearing  his  sister  down,  4 

If  Turnus  get  him  not  away  from  Troy's  high-builded  town. 

So  now  the  warrior's  shielded  left  the  play  endureth  not, 

Nought  skills  his  right  hand ;  wrapped  around  in  drift  of  weapon  shot 

About  his  temples'  hollow  rings  his  helm  with  ceaseless  clink  ; 

The  starkly-fashioned  brazen  plates  amid  the  stone-cast  chink ; 

The  crest  is  battered  from  his  head  ;  nor  may  the  shield-boss  hold 

Against  the  strokes:  the  Trojans  speed  the  spear-storm  manifold,       810 

And  lightening  Mnestheus  thickeneth  it :  then  over  all  his  limbs 

The  sweat  bursts  out,  and  all  adown  a  pitchy  river  swims : 

Hard  grows  his  breath,  and  panting  sharp  shaketh  his  body  spent. 

Until  at  last,  all  clad  in  arms,  he  leapt  adown,  and  sent 

His  body  to  the  river  fair,  who  in  his  yellow  flood 

Caught  him,  and  bore  him  forth  away  on  ripple  soft  and  good, 

And  gave  him  merry  to  his  men,  washed  from  the  battle's  blood. 


BOOK    X. 


ARGUMENT. 

THE   GODS  TAKE   COUNSEL:   AENEAS   COMETH   TO   HIS   FOLK  AGAIN,   AND 
DOETH   MANY  GREAT  DEEDS   IN   BATTLE. 

TV/TEANWHILE  is  opened  wide  the  door  of  dread  Olympus'  walls, 

And  there  the  Sire  of  Gods  and  Men  unto  the  council  calls, 
Amid  the  starry  place,  wherefrom,  high-throned,  he  looks  adowa 
Upon  the  folk  of  Latin  Land  and  that  beleaguered  town. 
There  in  the  open  house  they  sit,  and  he  himself  begins  : 

"  O  Dwellers  in  the  House  of  Heaven,  why  backward  thuswise  wins 

Your  purpose  ?    Why,  with  hearts  unruled,  raise  ye  the  strife  so  sore  ? 

I  clean  forbade  that  Italy  should  clash  with  Troy  in  war. 

Now  why  the  war  that  I  forbade  ?  who  egged  on  these  or  those 

To  fear  or  fight,  or  drave  them  on  with  edge  of  sword  to  close  ?  10 

Be  not  o'ereager  in  your  haste  :  the  hour  of  fight  shall  come, 

When  dreadful  Carthage  on  a  day  against  the  walls  of  Rome, 

Betwixt  the  opened  doors  of  Alps,  a  mighty  wrack  shall  send ; 

Then  may  ye  battle,  hate  to  hate,  and  reach  and  grasp  and  rend : 

But  now  forbear,  and  joyfully  knit  fast  the  plighted  peace." 

Few  words  spake  Jove ;  but  not  a  few  in  answer  unto  these 

Gave  golden  Venus  back  again : 

"  O  Father,  O  eternal  might  of  men  and  deeds  of  earth  — 

For  what  else  may  be  left  to  me  whereto  to  turn  my  prayers  ?  — 

Thou  seest  the  Rutuli  in  pride,  and  Turnus,  how  he  fares  20 

Amidst  them,  borne  aloft  by  steeds,  and,  swelling,  war-way  sweeps 

With  Mars  to  aid  :  the  fenced  place  no  more  the  Teucrians  keeps. 


246  THE  ^ENEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

For  now  within  the  very  gates  and  mound-heaped  battlement 

They  blend  in  fight,  and  flood  of  gore  adown  the  ditch  is  sent, 

Unware  ^Eneas  is  away.  —  Must  they  be  never  free 

From  bond  of  leaguer?  lo,  again  the  threatening  enemy 

Hangs  over  Troy  new-born  !     Behold  new  host  arrayed  again 

From  Arpi,  the  ^Etolian-built ;  against  the  Teucrian  men 

Tydides  riseth.     So  for  me  belike  new  wounds  in  store, 

And  I,  thy  child,  must  feel  the  edge  of  arms  of  mortal  war.  30 

Now  if  without  thy  peace,  without  thy  Godhead's  will  to  speed, 

The  Trojans  sought  for  Italy,  let  ill-hap  pay  ill  deed, 

Nor  stay  them  with  thine  help :  but  if  they  followed  many  a  word 

Given  forth  by  Gods  of  Heaven  and  Hell,  by  whom  canst  thou  be  stirred 

To  turn  thy  doom,  or  who  to  forge  new  fate  may  e'er  avail  ? 

Of  ship-host  burnt  on  Eryx  shore  why  should  I  tell  the  tale  ? 

Or  of  the  king  of  wind  and  storm,  or  wild  and  windy  crowd 

^Eolia  bred,  or  Iris  sent  adown  the  space  of  cloud  ? 

But  now  withal  the  Gods  of  Hell,  a  world  untried  before, 

She  stirreth,  and  Alecto  sent  up  to  the  earthly  shore  40 

In  sudden  hurry  raves  about  towns  of  Italian  men. 

No  whit  for  lordship  do  I  yearn  :  I  hoped  such  glories  then 

While  Fortune  was :  let  them  be  lords  whom  thou  wilt  doom  for  lords ! 

But  if  no  land  thy  hard-heart  wife  to  Teucrian  men  awards, 

Yet,  Father,  by  the  smoking  wrack  of  overwhelmed  Troy 

I  pray  thee  from  the  weapon-dint  safe  let  me  send  a  boy, 

Yea,  e'en  Ascanius  :  let  me  keep  my  grandson  safe  for  me ! 

Yea,  let  ^Eneas  toss  about  on  many  an  unknown  sea, 

And  let  him  follow  wheresoe'er  his  fortune  shall  have  led  : 

But  this  one  let  me  shield,  and  take  safe  from  the  battle's  dread.  50 

Paphus,  Cythera,  Amathus,  are  mine,  and  I  abide 

Within  Idalia's  house :  let  him  lay  weed  of  war  aside, 

And  wear  his  life  inglorious  there  :  then  shalt  thou  bid  the  hand 

Of  Carthage  weigh  Ausonia  down,  and  nothing  shall  withstand 

The  towns  of  Tyre.  —  Ah,  what  availed  to  'scape  the  bane  of  war  ? 


BOOK  X.  247 

Ah,  what  availed  that  through  the  midst  of  Argive  flames  they  bore 

To  wear  down  perils  of  wide  lands,  and  perils  of  the  main, 

While  Teucrian  men  sought  Latin  land  and  Troy  new-born  again  ? 

Ah,  better  had  it  been  for  them  by  Troy's  cold  ash  to  stay, 

To  dwell  on  earth  where  Troy  hath  been.     Father,  give  back,  I  pray,    60 

Their  Xanthus  and  their  Simois  unto  that  wretched  folk, 

And  let  them  toil  and  faint  once  more  'neath  Ilium's  woeful  yoke  ? " 

Then  spake  Queen  Juno,  heavy  wroth :  "  Why  driv'st  thou  me  to  part 

My  deep-set  silence,  and  lay  bare  with  words  my  grief  of  heart? 

What  one  of  all  the  Gods  or  men  ^Eneas  drave  to  go 

On  warring  ways,  or  bear  himself  as  King  Latinus'  foe  ? 

Fate-bidden  he  sought  Italy  ?  —  Yea,  soothly,  or  maybe 

Spurned  by  Cassandra's  wilderment —  and  how  then  counselled  we 

To  leave  his  camp  and  give  his  life  to  make  the  winds  a  toy  ? 

To  trust  his  walls  and  utmost  point  of  war  unto  a  boy  ?  yo 

To  trust  the  Tuscan  faith,  and  stir  the  peaceful  folk  to  fight  ? 

What  God  hath  driven  him  to  lie,  what  hardness  of  my  might  ? 

Works  Juno  here,  or  Iris  sent  adown  the  cloudy  way  ? 

'Tis  wrong  for  Italy,  forsooth,  the  ring  of  fire  to  lay 

Round  Troy  new-born  ;  for  Turn  us  still  to  hold  his  fathers'  earth !  — 

Though  him,  Pilumnus'  own  son's  son,  Venilia  brought  to  birth  — 

But  what  if  Trojans  fall  with  flame  upon  the  Latin  folk, 

And  drive  the  prey  from  off  their  fields  oppressed  by  outland:yoke  ? 

Or  choose  them  sons-in-law,  or  brides  from  mothers'  bosoms  tear  ? 

Or,  holding  peace  within  their  hands,  lade  ships  with  weapon-gear  ?       80 

Thou  erst  hadst  might  from  Greekish  hands  ^Eneas'  self  to  draw, 

To  thrust  a  cloud  and  empty  wind  in  stead  of  man  of  war, 

And  unto  sea-nymphs  ship  by  ship  the  ship-host  mayst  thou  change. 

But  we  to  help  the  Rutuli,  'tis  horrible  and  strange  ! 

—  Unware  ^Eneas  is  away  ?  —  let  him  abide  unware ! 

Paphus  thou  hast,  Idalium,  and  high  Cythera  fair, 

Then  why  with  cities  big  with  war  and  hearts  of  warriors  deal  ? 


248  THE  ^ENEIDS  OF  VIRGIL. 

What!  we  it  was  who  strove  to  wrack  the  fainting  Trojan  weal  ? 

We  !  —  or  the  one  who  thwart  the  Greeks  the  wretched  Trojans  dashed  ? 

Yea,  and  what  brought  it  all  about  that  thus  in  arms  they  clashed,         90 

Europe  and  Asia?  that  men  brake  the  plighted  peace  by  theft? 

Did  I  the  Dardan  lecher  lead,  who  Sparta's  jewel  reft  ? 

Did  I  set  weapons  in  his  hand,  breed  lust  to  breed  debate  ? 

Then  had  thy  care  for  thine  been  meet,  but  now  indeed  o'erlate 

With  wrongful  plaint  thou  risest  up,  and  bickerest  emptily." 

So  pleaded  Juno,  and  all  they,  the  heavenly  folk  anigh, 

Murmured  their  doom  in  diverse  wise  \  as  when  the  first  of  wind 

Caught  in  the  woods  is  murmuring  on,  and  rolleth  meanings  blind, 

Betraying  to  the  mariners  the  onset  of  the  gale. 

Then  spake  the  Almighty  Sire,  in  whom  is  all  the  world's  avail,  100 

And  as  he  spake  the  high-built  house  of  God  was  quieted, 

And  earth  from  her  foundations  shook,  and  heaven  was  hushed  crerhead, 

The  winds  fell  down,  the  face  of  sea  was  laid  in  quiet  fair  : 

"  Take  ye  these  matters  to  your  hearts,  and  set  my  sayings  there ; 

Since  nowise  the  Ausonian  folk  the  plighted  troth  may  blend 

With  Teucrians,  and  your  contest  seems  a  strife  without  an  end ; 

What  fortune  each  may  have  to-day,  what  hope  each  one  shears  out, 

Trojan  or  Rutulan,  will  I  hold  all  in  balanced  doubt, 

Whether  the  camp  is  so  beset  by  fate  of  Italy, 

Or  hapless  wanderings  of  Troy,  and  warnings  dealt  awry.  no 

Nor  loose  I  Rutulans  the  more ;  let  each  one's  wayfaring 

Bear  its  own  hap  and  toil,  for  Jove  to  all  alike  is  king ; 

The  Fates  will  find  a  way  to  wend." 

He  nodded  oath  withal 

By  his  own  Stygian  brother's  stream,  the  pitchy  water's  fall, 
And  blazing  banks,  and  with  his  nod  shook  all  Olympus'  land. 
Then  fell  the  talk ;  from  golden  throne  did  Jupiter  upstand, 
The  heaven-abiders  girt  him  round  and  brought  him  to  the  door. 


BOOK  X.  249 

The  Rutuli  amid  all  this  are  pressing  on  in  war, 

Round  all  the  gates  to  slay  the  men,  the  wall's  with  fire  to  ring, 

And  all  ^Eneas'  host  is  pent  with  fenced  beleaguering.  120 

Nor  is  there  any  hope  of  flight ;  upon  the  towers  tall 

They  stand,  the  hapless  men  in  vain,  thin  garland  for  the  wall ; 

Asius,  the  son  of  Imbrasus,  Thymcetes,  and  the  two 

Assaraci,  and  Thymbris  old,  with  Castor,  deeds  they  do 

In  the  forefront ;  Sarpedon's  sons,  twin  brethren,  with  them  bide, 

Clarus  and  Themon,  born  erewhile  in  lofty  Lycia's  side. 

And  now  Lyrnessian  Acmon  huge  with  strain  of  limbs  strives  hard, 

And  raises  up  a  mighty  stone,  no  little  mountain  shard ; 

As  great  as  father  Clytius  he,  or  brother  Mnestheus'  might:  129 

So  some  with  stones,  with  spear-cast  some,  they  ward  the  walls  in  fight, 

They  deal  with  fire  or  notch  the  shaft  upon  the  strained  string. 

But  lo  amidst,  most  meetly  wrought  for  Venus'  cherishing, 

His  goodly  head  the  Dardan  boy  unhooded  there  doth  hold, 

As  shineth  out  some  stone  of  price,  cleaving  the  yellow  gold, 

Fair  for  the  bosom  or  the  head ;  or  as  the  ivory  shines, 

That  with  Orician  terebinth  the  art  of  man  entwines, 

Or  mid  the  boxwood ;  down  along  his  milk-white  neck  they  lie 

The  streams  of  hair,  which  golden  wire  doth  catch  about  and  tie. 

The  mighty  nations,  Ismarus,  there  saw  thee  deft  to  speed 

The  bane  of  men,  envenoming  the  deadly  flying  reed ;  140 

Thou  lord-born  of  Moeonian  house,  whereby  the  tiller  tills 

Rich  acres,  where  Pactolus'  flood  gold  overflowing  spills. 

There,  too,  was  Mnestheus,  whom  his  deed  late  done  of  thrusting  forth 

King  Turnus  from  the  battlements  hath  raised  to  heavenly  worth, 

And  Capys,  he  whose  name  is  set  upon  Campania's  town. 

But  while  the  bitter  play  of  war  went  bickering  up  and  down, 
JEneas  clave  the  seas  with  keel  amidst  the  dead  of  night : 
For  when  Evander  he  had  left  and  reached  the  Tuscan  might, 
He  met  their  king  and  told  his  name,  and  whence  his  race  of  old, 


2So  THE  ^ENEIDS  OF  VIRGIL. 

And  what  he  would  and  how  he  wrought:  and  of  the  host  he  told,       150 

Mezentius  now  had  gotten  him,  and  Turnus'  wrathful  heart ; 

He  warned  him  in  affairs  of  men  to  trust  not  Fortune's  part ; 

And  therewithal  he  mingleth  prayers :  Tarchon  no  while  doth  wait, 

But  joineth  hosts  and  plighteth  troth  ;  and  so,  set  free  by  Fate, 

A-shipboard  go  the  Lydian  folk  by  God's  command  and  grace, 

Yet  'neath  the  hand  of  outland  duke :  ^Eneas'  ship  hath  place 

In  forefront :  Phrygian  lions  hang  above  its  armed  tyne 

O'ertopped  by  Ida,  unto  those  Troy's  outcasts  happy  sign : 

There  great  y£neas  sits,  and  sends  his  mind  a-wandering  wide 

Through  all  the  shifting  chance  of  war ;  and  by  his  left-hand  side       160 

Is  Pallas  asking  of  the  stars,  and  night-tide's  journey  dim, 

Or  whiles  of  haps  by  land  or  sea  that  fortuned  unto  him. 

Ye  Goddesses,  ope  Helicon,  and  raise  the  song  to  say 
What  host  from  out  the  Tuscan  land  JEneas  led  away, 
And  how  they  dight  their  ships,  and  how  across  the  sea  they  drave. 

In  brazen  Tiger  Massicus  first  man  the  sea-plain  clave  ; 

A  thousand  youths  beneath  him  are  that  Clusium's  walls  have  left 

And  Cosae's  city :  these  in  war  with  arrow-shot  are  deft, 

And  bear  light  quivers  of  the  bark,  and  bear  the  deadly  bow. 

Then  comes  grim  Abas,  all  his  host  with  glorious  arms  aglow,  170 

And  on  his  stern  Apollo  gleams,  well  wrought  in  utter  gold. 

But  Populonia's  mother-land  had  given  him  there  to  hold 

Six  hundred  of  the  battle-craft ;  three  hundred  Ilva  sent, 

Rich  isle,  whose  wealth  of  Chalyb  ore  wastes  never  nor  is  spent 

The  third  is  he,  who  carrieth  men  the  words  God  hath  to  say, 
Asylas,  whom  the  hearts  of  beasts  and  stars  of  heaven  obey, 
And  tongues  of  birds,  and  thunder-fire  that  coming  tidings  bears. 
A  thousand  men  he  hurrieth  on  with  bristling  of  the  spears ; 


BOOK  X.  251 

Pisa,  the  town  Alpheiis  built  amid  the  Tuscan  land, 
Bids  them  obey. 

Came  Astur  next,  goodliest  of  all  the  band ;  180 

Astur,  who  trusteth  in  his  horse  and  shifty-coloured  weed ; 
Three  hundred  hath  he,  of  one  heart  to  wend  as  he  shall  lead : 
And  these  are  they  in  Caeres'  home  and  Minios'  lea  that  bide, 
The  Pyrgi  old,  and  they  that  feel  Gravisca's  heavy  tide. 

Nor  thee,  best  war-duke,  Cinyras,  of  that  Ligurian  crew, 

Leave  I  unsung :  nor  thee  the  more,  Cupavo  lord  of  few, 

Up  from  the  cresting  of  whose  helm  the  feathery  swan-wings  rise. 

Love  was  thy  guilt ;  thy  battle-sign  was  thine  own  father's  guise. 

For  Cycnus,  say  they,  while  for  love  of  Phaethon  he  grieves, 

And  sings  beneath  his  sisters'  shade,  beneath  the  poplar-leaves ;          190 

While  with  the  Muse  some  solace  sweet  for  woeful  love  he  won, 

A  hoary  eld  of  feathers  soft  about  him  doth  he  on, 

Leaving  the  earth  and  following  the  stars  with  tuneful  wails ; 

And  now  his  son  amid  his  peers  with  Tuscan  ship-host  sails, 

Driving  with  oars  the  Centaur  huge,  who  o'er  the  waters'  face 

Hangs,  threatening  ocean  with  a  rock,  huge  from  his  lofty  place, 

And  ever  with  his  length  of  keel  the  deep  sea  furrows  o'er. 

Then  he,  e'en  Ocnus,  stirreth  up  folk  from  his  father's  shore, 

Who  from  the  love  of  Tuscan  flood  and  fate-wise  Manto  came, 

And  gave,  O  Mantua,  walls  to  thee,  and  gave  his  mother's  name :        200 

Mantua,  the  rich  in  father-folk,  though  not  one-stemmed  her  home. 

Three  stems  are  there,  from  each  whereof  four  peoples  forth  are  corow, 

While  she  herself,  the  head  of  all,  from  Tuscan  blood  hath  might 

Five  hundred  thence  Mezentius  arms  against  himself  in  fight, 

Whom  Mincius'  flood,  Benacus'  son,  veiled  in  the  sedges  grey, 

Was  leading  in  the  fir  of  'fight  across  the  watery  way. 

Then  heavy-huge  Aulestes  goes ;  the  oar-wood  hundred-fold 


252 


THE  ^ENEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 


Rises  for  beating  of  the  flood,  as  foam  the  seas  uprolled. 

Huge  Triton  ferries  him,  whose  shell  the  deep  blue  sea  doth  fright : 

Up  from  the  shaggy  naked  waist  manlike  is  he  to  sight  210 

As  there  he  swims,  but  underneath  whale-bellied  is  he  grown  ; 

Beneath  the  half-beast  breast  of  him  the  foaming  waters  moan. 

So  many  chosen  dukes  of  men  in  thrice  ten  keels  they  sail, 
And  cut  with  brass  the  meads  of  brine  for  Troy  and  its  avail. 

And  now  had  day-tide  failed  the  sky,  and  Phoebe,  sweet  and  fair, 

Amid  her  nightly-straying  wain  did  mid  Olympus  wear. 

^Eneas,  who  might  give  his  limbs  no  whit  of  peacefulness, 

Was  sitting  with  the  helm  in  hand,  heeding  the  sail-gear's  stress, 

When  lo  a  company  of  friends  his  midmost  course  do  meet : 

The  Nymphs  to  wit,  who  Cybele,  the  goddess  holy-sweet,  220 

Bade  turn  from  ships  to  very  nymphs,  and  ocean's  godhead  have. 

So  evenly  they  swam  the  sea,  and  sundered  wave  and  wave, 

As  many  as  the  brazen  beaks  once  by  the  sea-side  lay ; 

Afar  they  know  their  king,  and  round  in  dancing-wise  they  play ; 

But  one  of  them,  Cymodocea,  who  speech-lore  knew  the  best, 

Drew  nigh  astern  and  laid  thereon  her  right  hand,  with  her  breast 

Above  the  flood,  the  while  her  left  through  quiet  waves  rowed  on, 

And  thus  bespoke  him  all  unware : 

"  Wak'st  thou,  O  Godhead's  son  ! 

./Eneas,  wake !  and  loose  the  sheets  and  let  all  canvas  fill ! 
We  were  the  pine-trees  on  a  time  of  Ida's  holy  hill,  230 

Thy  ship-host  once,  but  sea-nymphs  now :  when  that  Rutulian  lord 
Fell  faithless,  headlong,  on  our  lives  with  firebrand  and  the  sword, 
Unwillingly  we  brake  our  bonds  and  sought  thee  o'er  the  main. 
The  Mother  in  her  pity  thus  hath  wrought  our  shape  again, 
And  given  us  gift  of  godhead's  life  in  house  of  ocean's  ground. 
Lo  now,  the  boy  Ascanius  by  dyke  and  wall  is  bound 
Amid  the  spears,  the  battle-wood  that  Latins  forth  have  sent 


BOOK  X.  253 

And  now  the  horse  of  Arcady,  with  stout  Etruscans  blent, 
Holdeth  due  tryst.  Now  is  the  mind  of  Turnus  firmly  set 
To  thrust  between  them,  lest  thy  camp  they  succour  even  yet  240 

Wherefore  arise,  and  when  the  dawn  first  climbs  the  heavenly  shore 
Call  on  thy  folk,  and  take  thy  shield  unconquered  evermore, 
The  Fire-lord's  gift,  who  wrought  its  lips  with  circling  gold  about : 
To-morrow's  light,  unless  thou  deem'st  my  words  are  all  to  doubt, 
Shall  see  Rutulian  death  in  heaps  a-lying  on  the  land." 

Therewith  departing,  forth  she  thrust  the  tall  ship  with  her  hand, 
As  one  who  had  good  skill  therein,  and  then  across  the  seas 
Swifter  than  dart  she  fled,  or  shaft  that  matcheth  well  the  breeze, 
And  straight  the  others  hastened  on.     All  mazed  was  he  of  Troy, 
Anchises'  seed,  but  yet  the  sign  upraised  his  heart  with  joy,  250 

And,  looking  to  the  hollow  heaven,  in  few  words  prayed  he  thus : 

"  Kind  Ida-Mother  of  the  Gods,  whose  heart  loves  Dindymus 
And  towered  towns,  and  lions  yoked  and  tamed  to  bear  the  bit, 
Be  thou  my  battle-leader  now,  and  do  thou  further  it, 
This  omen,  and  with  favouring  foot  the  Trojan  folk  draw  nigh." 

But  while  he  spake,  Day,  come  again,  had  run  adown  the  sky, 

With  light  all  utter  perfect  wrought,  and  driven  away  the  night. 

Then  folk  he  biddeth  follow  on  the  banners  of  the  fight, 

And  make  them  ready  for  the  play  and  shape  their  hearts  for  war. 

But  he,  aloft  upon  the  poop,  now  sees  them  where  they  are,  260 

His  leaguered  Teucrians,  as  his  left  uprears  the  blazing  shield  ; 

And  then,  the  sons  of  Dardanus  up  to  the  starry  field 

Send  forth  the  cry,  and  hope  is  come  to  whet  their  battle-wrath. 

Tliick  flies  their  spear-storm  :  'tis  as  when  the  Strymon  cranes  give  forth 

Their  war-sign  on  the  mirky  rack,  and  down  the  heavens  they  run 

Sonorous,  fleeing  southern  breeze  with  clamour  following  on. 

But  wondrous  to  Rutulian  king  and  dukes  of  Italy 


254  THE  ^ENEIDS  OF  VIRGIL. 

That  seemed,  until  they  look  about,  and  lo,  the  keels  they  see 

Turned  shoreward ;  yea,  a  sea  of  ships  onsetting  toward  the  shore. 

Yea,  and  the  helm  is  all  ablaze,  beams  from  the  crest  outpour,  270 

The  golden  shield-boss  wide  about  a  world  of  flame  doth  shed. 

E'en  so,  amid  the  clear  of  night,  the  comets  bloody-red 

Blush  woeful  bright ;  nor  otherwise  is  Sirius'  burning  wrought, 

When  drought  and  plagues  for  weary  men  the  birth  of  him  hath  wrought, 

And  that  unhappy  light  of  his  hath  saddened  all  the  heaven. 

But  nought  from  Turnus'  hardy  heart  was  high  hope  ever  driven 

To  take  the  strand  of  them  and  thrust  those  comers  from  the  shore : 

Eager  he  chid,  hot-heart,  with  words  men's  courage  he  upbore : 

"  Lo,  now  your  prayers  have  come  about,  that  hand  meet  hand  in  strife, 

And  Mars  is  in  the  brave  man's  hand :  let  each  one's  home  and  wife 

Be  in  his  heart !     Call  ye  to  mind  those  mighty  histories,  281 

The  praises  of  our  father-folk  !     Come,  meet  them  in  the  seas, 

Amid  their  tangle,  while  their  feet  yet  totter  on  the  earth  : 

For  Fortune  helpeth  them  that  dare." 

So  saying,  he  turneth  in  his  mind  with  whom  on  these  to  fall, 

And  unto  whom  to  leave  meanwhile  the  leaguering  of  the  wall. 

Meanwhile  JEneas  from  his  ships  high-built  his  folk  doth  speed 

Ashore  by  bridges :  many  men  no  less  the  back-draught  heed 

Of  the  spent  seas,  and,  trusting  shoals,  they  make  the  downward  leap; 

And  others  slide  adown  the  oars.     Tarchon  the  shore  doth  sweep,       290 

Espying  where  the  waves  break  not,  nor  back  the  sea  doth  roar, 

But  where  the  sea-flood  harmlessly  with  full  tide  swims  ashore, 

And  thither  straight  he  lays  his  keels,  and  prays  unto  his  folk : 

"  O  chosen,  on  the  stark  oars  lay !  now  up  unto  the  stroke ; 

Bear  on  the  ships,  and  with  your  beaks  cleave  ye  this  foeman's  earth  : 

And  let  the  very  keels  themselves  there  furrow  them  their  berth. 

On  such  a  haven  nought  I  heed,  though  ship  and  all  we  break, 

If  once  we  gain  the  land." 


BOOK  X.  255 

Therewith,  as  such  a  word  he  spake, 
His  fellows  rise  together  hard  on  every  shaven  tree, 

In  mind  to  bear  their  ships  befoamed  up  on  the  Latin  lea,  300 

Until  their  tynes  are  high  and  dry,  and  fast  is  every  keel 
Unhurt :  save,  Tarchon,  thine  alone,  that  winneth  no  such  weal ; 
For  on  the  shallows  driven  aground,  on  evil  ridge  unmeet, 
She  hangeth  balanced  a  long  while,  and  doth  the  waters  beat ; 
Then,  breaking,  droppeth  down  her  men  amidmost  of  the  waves, 
Entangled  in  the  wreck  of  oars,  and  floating  thwarts  and  staves ; 
And  in  the  back-draught  of  the  seas  their  feet  are  caught  withal. 

No  dull  delay  holds  Turnus  back ;  but  fiercely  doth  he  fall, 

With  all  his  host,  on  them  of  Troy,  and  meets  them  on  the  strand.       309 

The  war-horns  sing.     ^Eneas  first  breaks  through  the  field-folk's  band, 

—  Fair  omen  of  the  fight  —  and  lays  the  Latin  folk  alow. 

Thero  he  slays,  most  huge  of  men,  whose  own  heart  bade  him  go 

Against  ./Eneas  :  through  the  links  of  brass  the  sword  doth  fare, 

And  through  the  kirtle's  scaly  gold,  and  wastes  the  side  laid  bare. 

Then  Lichas  smites  he,  ripped  erewhile  from  out  his  mother  dead, 

And  hallowed,  Phoebus,  unto  thee,  because  his  baby  head 

Had  'scaped  the  steel :  nor  far  from  thence  he  casteth  down  to  die 

Hard  Cisseus,  Gyas  huge,  who  there  beat  down  his  company 

With  might  of  clubs ;  nought  then  availed  that  Herculean  gear, 

Nor  their  stark  hands,  nor  yet  their  sire  Melampus,  though  he  were    320 

Alcides'  friend  so  long  as  he  on  earth  wrought  heavy  toil. 

Lo  Pharo  !  while  a  deedless  word  he  flingeth  mid  the  broil, 

The  whirring  of  the  javelin  stays  within  his  shouting  mouth. 

Thou,  Cydon,  following  lucklessly  thy  new  delight,  the  youth 

Clytius,  whose  first  of  fallow  down  about  his  cheeks  is  spread, 

Art  well-nigh  felled  by  Dardan  hand,  and  there  hadst  thou  lain  dead, 

At  peace  from  all  the  many  loves  wherein  thy  life  would  stray, 

Had  not  thy  brethren's  serried  band  now  thrust  across  the  way, 

E'en  Phorcus'  seed:  sevenfold  of  tale  and  sevenfold  spears  they  wield: 


256  THE  ^ENEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

But  some  thereof  fly  harmless  back  from  helm-side  and  from  shield,    330 
The  rest  kind  Venus  turned  aside,  that  grazing  past  they  flew ; 
But  therewithal  ^Eneas  spake  unto  Achates  true  : 

"  Reach  me  my  shafts :  not  one  in  vain  my  right  hand  now  shall  speed 
Against  Rutulians,  of  all  those  that  erst  in  Ilian  mead 
Stood  in  the  bodies  of  the  Greeks." 

Then  caught  he  a  great  spear 

And  cast  it,  and  it  flew  its  ways  the  brazen  shield  to  shear 
Of  Maeon,  breaking  through  his  mail,  breaking  his  breast  withal : 
Alcanor  is  at  hand  therewith,  to  catch  his  brother's  fall 
With  his  right  hand ;  but  through  his  arm  the  spear  without  a  stay 
Flew  hurrying  on,  and  held  no  less  its  straight  and  bloody  way,  340 

And  by  the  shoulder-nerves  the  hand  hung  down  all  dead  and  vain. 
Then  Numitor,  his  brother's  spear  caught  from  his  brother  slain, 
Falls  on  ^Eneas  ;  yet  to  smite  the  mighty  one  in  face 
No  hap  he  had,  but  did  the  thigh  of  great  Achates  graze. 
Clausus  of  Cures,  trusting  well  in  his  young  body's  might, 
Now  cometh,  and  with  stiff-wrought  spear  from  far  doth  Dryops  smite 
Beneath  the  chin ;  home  went  its  weight,  and  midst  his  shouting's  birth 
From  rent  throat  snatched  both  voice  and  life,  and  prone  he  smote  the  earth, 
And  from  his  mouth  abundantly  shed  forth  the  flood  of  gore. 
Three  Thracians  also,  men  whose  stem  from  Boreas  came  of  yore,       350 
Three  whom  their  father  Idas  sent,  and  Ismara  their  land, 
In  various  wise  he  fells.     And  now  Halesus  comes  to  hand, 
And  his  Aruncans  :  Neptune's  seed  now  cometh  thrusting  in, 
Messapus,  excellent  of  horse.     Hard  strife  the  field  to  win ! 
On  this  side  and  on  that  they  play  about  Ausonia's  door. 
As  whiles  within  the  mighty  heaven  the  winds  are  making  war, 
And  equal  heart  they  have  thereto,  and  equal  might  they  wield : 
Yields  none  to  none,  nor  yields  the  rack,  nor  aught  the  waters  yield ; 
Long  hangs  the  battle ;  locked  they  stand,  all  things  are  striving  then : 
Not  otherwise  the  Trojan  host  and  host  of  Latin  men  360 


BOOK  X.  257 

Meet  foot  to  foot,  and  man  to  man,  close  pressing  in  the  fray. 

But  in  another  place,  where  erst  the  torrent  in  its  way 

Had  driven  the  rolling  rocks  along  and  torn  trees  of  the  banks, 

Did  Pallas  see  the  Arcadian  folk,  unused  to  fight  in  ranks 

Of  footmen,  turn  their  backs  before  the  Latins  in  the  chase, 

Since  they  forsooth  had  left  their  steeds  for  roughness  of  the  place : 

Wherefore  he  did  the  only  deed  that  failing  Fortune  would, 

Striving  with  prayers  and  bitter  words  to  make  their  valour  good : 

"  Where  flee  ye,  fellows  ?    Ah,  I  pray,  by  deeds  that  once  were  bold, 

By  name  of  King  Evander  dear,  by  glorious  wars  of  old,  370 

By  my  own  hope  of  praise  that  springs  to  mate  my  father's  praise, 

Trust  not  your  feet !  with  point  and  edge  ye  needs  must  cleave  your  ways 

Amidst  the  foe.     Where  yon  array  of  men  doth  thickest  wend, 

Thither  our  holy  father-land  doth  you  and  Pallas  send  : 

No  Gods  weigh  on  us ;  mortal  foes  meet  mortal  men  to-day ; 

As  many  hands  we  have  to  use,  as  many  lives  to  pay. 

Lo,  how  the  ocean  shuts  us  in  with  yonder  watery  wall ! 

Earth  fails  for  flight  —  what!  seaward  then,  or  Troyward  shall  we  fall? " 

Thus  said,  forthwith  he  breaketh  in  amid  the  foeman's  press, 
Whom  Lagus  met  the  first  of  all,  by  Fate's  unrighteousness  380 

Drawn  thitherward :  him,  while  a  stone  huge  weighted  he  upheaves, 
He  pierceth  with  a  whirling  shaft  just  where  the  backbone  cleaves 
The  ribs  atwain,  and  back  again  he  wrencheth  forth  the  spear 
Set  mid  the  bones :  nor  him  the  more  did  Hisbo  take  unware, 
Though  that  he  hoped ;  for  Pallas  next  withstood  him,  rushing  on 
All  heedless-wild  at  that  ill  death  his  fellow  fair  had  won, 
And  buried  all  his  sword  deep  down  amid  his  wind-swelled  lung. 
Then  Sthenelus  he  meets,  and  one  from  ancient  Rhcetus  sprung, 
Anchemolus,  who  dared  defile  his  own  stepmother's  bed. 
Ye  also  on  Rutulian  lea  twin  Daucus'  sons  lay  dead,  359 

17 


258  THE  vENEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

Larides,  Thymber ;  so  alike,  O  children,  that  by  nought 

Your  parents  knew  you  each  from  each,  and  sweet  the  error  thought. 

But  now  to  each  did  Pallas  give  a  cruel  marking-sign  ; 

For,  Thymber,  the  Evandrian  sword  smote  off  that  head  of  thine : 

And  thy  lopped  right,  Larides,  seeks  for  that  which  was  its  lord, 

The  half-dead  fingers  quiver  still  and  grip  unto  the  sword. 

But  now  the  Arcadians  cheered  by  words,  beholding  his  great  deed, 

The  mingled  shame  and  sorrow  arm  and  'gainst  the  foeman  lead. 

Then  Pallas  thrusteth  Rhceteus  through  a-flitting  by  in  wain ; 

And  so  much  space,  so  much  delay,  thereby  did  Ilus  gain,  400 

For  'twas  at  Ilus  from  afar  that  he  his  spear  had  cast. 

But  Rhceteus  met  it  on  the  road  fleeing  from  you  full  fast, 

Best  brethren,  Teuthras,  Tyres  there :  down  from  the  car  rolled  he, 

And  with  the  half-dead  heel  of  him  beat  the  Rutulian  lea. 

As  when  amidst  the  summer-tide  he  gains  the  wished-for  breeze, 

The  shepherd  sets  the  sparkled  flame  amid  the  thicket  trees, 

The  wood's  heart  catches  suddenly,  the  flames  spread  into  one, 

And  fearful  o'er  the  meadows  wide  doth  Vulcan's  army  run, 

While  o'er  the  flames  the  victor  sits  and  on  their  joy  looks  down. 

No  less  the  valour  of  thy  folk  unto  a  head  was  grown  410 

To  help  thee,  Pallas  :  but  behold,  Halesus,  fierce  in  field, 

Turns  on  the  foe,  and  gathers  him  'neath  cover  of  his  shield. 

Ladon,  Pheres,  Demodocus,  all  these  he  slaughtereth  there  ; 

With  gleaming  sword  he  lopped  the  hand  Strymonius  did  uprear 

Against  his  throat :  in  Thoas'  face  withal  a  stone  he  sent, 

And  drave  apart  the  riven  bones  with  blood  and  brains  all  blent. 

Halesus'  sire,  the  wise  of  Fate,  in  woods  had  hidden  him ; 

But  when  that  elder's  whitening  eyes  at  last  in  death  did  swim, 

Fate  took  Halesus,  hallowing  him  to  King  Evander's  blade : 

For  Pallas  aimeth  at  him  now,  when  such  wise  he  had  prayed :  420 


BOOK  X.  259 

"  O  Father  Tiber,  grant  this  spear,  that  herewithal  I  shake, 
Through  hard  Halesus'  breast  forthwith  a  happy  way  may  take ; 
So  shall  thine  oak-tree  have  the  arms,  the  warrior's  battle-spoil." 

The  God  heard :  while  Halesus  shields  Imaon  in  the  broil, 

To  that  Arcadian  shaft  he  gives  his  luckless  body  bared. 

But  nought  would  Lausus,  lord  of  war,  let  all  his  host  be  scared, 

E'en  at  the  death  of  such  a  man :  first  Abas  doth  he  slay, 

Who  faces  him,  the  very  knot  and  holdfast  of  the  play. 

Then  fall  Arcadia's  sons  to  field ;  felled  is  Etruria's  host, 

And  ye,  O  Teucrian  bodies,  erst  by  Grecian  death  unlost.  430 

Then  meet  the  hosts  with  lords  well-matched  and  equal  battle-might ; 

The  outskirts  of  the  battle  close,  nor  'mid  the  press  of  fight 

May  hand  or  spear  move :  busy  now  is  Pallas  on  this  side, 

Lausus  on  that ;  nor  is  the  space  between  their  ages  wide, 

Those  noble  bodies :  and  both  they  were  clean  forbid  of  Fate 

Return  unto  their  lands  :  but  he  who  rules  Olympus  great 

Would  nowise  suffer  them  to  meet  themselves  to  end  the  play, 

The  doom  of  each  from  mightier  foe  abideth  each  to-day. 

But  Turnus'  sister  warneth  him  to  succour  Lausus'  war, 

The  gracious  Goddess  :  straight  he  cleaves  the  battle  in  his  car,  440 

And  when  he  sees  his  folk,  cries  out :  "  'Tis  time  to  leave  the  fight ! 

Lone  against  Pallas  do  I  fare,  Pallas  is  mine  of  right ; 

I  would  his  sire  himself  were  here  to  look  upon  the  field." 

He  spake,  and  from  the  space  forbid  his  fellow-folk  did  yield, 

But  when  the  Rutuli  were  gone,  at  such  a  word  of  pride 

Amazed,  the  youth  on  Turnus  stares,  and  lets  his  gaze  go  wide 

O'er  the  huge  frame,  and  from  afar  with  stern  eyes  meets  it  all, 

And  'gainst  the  words  the  tyrant  spake  such  words  from  him  there  fall : 

"  Now  shall  I  win  me  praise  of  men  for  spoiling  of  a  King, 


260  THE  ^ENEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

Or  for  a  glorious  death :  my  sire  may  outface  either  thing :  450 

Forbear  thy  threats." 

He  spake,  and  straight  amid  the  war-field  drew ; 
But  cold  in  that  Arcadian  folk  therewith  the  heart-blood  grew ; 
While  Turnus  from  his  war-wain  leapt  to  go  afoot  to  fight : 
And  as  a  lion  sees  afar  from  off  his  watch-burg's  height 
A  bull  at  gaze  amid  the  mead  with  battle  in  his  thought, 
And  flies  thereto,  so  was  the  shape  of  coming  Turnus  wrought. 

But  now,  when  Pallas  deemed  him  come  within  the  cast  of  spear, 

He  would  be  first,  if  Fate  perchance  should  help  him  swift  to  dare, 

And  his  less  might,  and  thus  he  speaks  unto  the  boundless  sky : 

"  Now  by  my  father's  guesting-tide  and  board  thou  drew'st  anigh,        460 

A  stranger,  O  Alcides,  help  this  great  deed  I  begin  ! 

His  bloody  gear  from  limbs  half-dead  let  Turnus  see  me  win  ; 

And  on  the  dying  eyes  of  him  be  victor's  image  pressed." 

Alcides  heard  the  youth,  and  'neath  the  inmost  of  his  breast 

He  thrust  aback  a  heavy  groan,  and  empty  tears  he  shed  : 

But  to  his  son  in  kindly  wise  such  words  the  Father  said  : 

"  His  own  day  bideth  every  man  ;  short  space  that  none  may  mend 

Is  each  man's  life :  but  yet  by  deeds  wide-spreading  fame  to  send, 

Man's  valour  hath  this  work  to  do  :  'neath  Troy's  high-builded  wall 

How  many  sons  of  God  there  died :  yea  there  he  died  withal,  470 

Sarpedon  my  own  progeny.     Yea  too  and  Turnus'  Fates 

Are  calling  him  :  he  draweth  nigh  his  life's  departing-gates." 

He  spake  and  turned  his  eyes  away  from  fields  of  Rutuli : 
But  Pallas  with  great  gathered  strength  the  spear  from  him  let  fly, 
And  drew  therewith  from  hollow  sheath  his  sword  all  eager-bright. 
The  spear  flew  gleaming  where  the  arms  rise  o'er  the  shoulder's  height, 
Smote  home,  and  won  its  way  at  last  through  the  shield's  outer  rim, 
And  Turnus'  mighty  body  reached  and  grazed  the  flesh  of  him. 


BOOK  X.  261 

Long  Turnus  shook  the  oak  that  bore  the  bitter  iron  head, 

Then  cast  at  Pallas,  and  withal  a  word  he  cast  and  said :  480 

"  Let  see  now  if  this  shaft  of  mine  may  better  win  a  pass  !  " 

He  spake  ;  for  all  its  iron  skin  and  all  its  plates  of  brass, 

For  all  the  swathing  of  bull-hides  that  round  about  it  went, 

The  quivering  spear  smote  through  the  shield  and  through  its  midm  >st 

rent 

And  through  the  mailcoat's  staying  fence  the  mighty  breast  did  gain. 
Then  at  the  spear  his  heart-blood  warmed  did  Pallas  clutch  in  vain  ; 
By  one  way  and  the  same  his  blood  and  life,  away  they  fare ; 
But  down  upon  the  wound  he  rolled,  and  o'er  him  clashed  his  gear,. 
And  dying  there  his  bloody  mouth  sought  out  the  foeman's  sod : 
Whom  Turnus  overstrides  and  says :  499 

"  Hearken  Arcadians,  bear  ye  back  Evander  words  well  learned : 
Pallas  I  send  him  back  again,  dealt  with  as  he  hath  earned, 
If  there  be  honour  in  a  tomb,  or  solace  in  the  earth, 
I  grudge  it  not  —  ^Enean  guests  shall  cost  him  things  of  worth." 

So  spake  he,  and  his  left  foot  then  he  set  upon  the  dead, 

And  tore  the  girdle  thence  away  full  heavy  fashioned, 

And  wrought  with  picture  of  a  guilt ;  that  youthful  company 

Slain  foully  on  one  wedding-night :  bloody  the  bride-beds  lie. 

This  Clonus  son  of  Eurytus  had  wrought  in  plenteous  gold, 

Now  Turnus  wears  it  triumphing,  merry  such  spoil  to  hold.  —  500 

—  O  heart  of  man,  unlearned  in  Fate  and  what  the  days  may  hide, 

Unlearned  to  be  of  measure  still  when  swelled  with  happy  tide  ! 

The  time  shall  come  when  Turnus  wealth  abundantly  would  pay 

For  Pallas  whole,  when  he  shall  loathe  that  spoil,  that  conquering  day. 

But  Pallas'  folk  with  plenteous  groans  and  tears  about  him  throng, 
And  laid  upon  his  battle-shield  they  bear  the  dead  along. 
O  thou,  returning  to  thy  sire,  great  grief  and  glory  great, 


262  THE  ^ENEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

Whom  one  same  day  gave  unto  war  and  swept  away  to  fate, 
Huge  heaps  of  death  Rutulian  thou  leav'st  the  meadow  still. 

And  now  no  rumour,  but  sure  word  of  such  a  mighty  ill  510 

Flies  to  ^Eneas,  how  his  folk  within  the  deathgrip  lie, 

And  how  time  pressed  that  he  should  aid  the  Teucrians  turned  to  fly. 

So  all  things  near  with  sword  he  reaps,  and  wide  he  drives  the  road 

Amid  the  foe  with  fiery  steel,  seeking  thee,  Turnus  proud, 

Through  death  new  wrought ;  and  Pallas  now,  Evander,  all  things  there 

Live  in  his  eyes  :  the  boards  whereto  that  day  he  first  drew  near, 

A  stranger,  and  those  plighted  hands.     Four  youths  of  Sulmo  wrought, 

And  the  like  tale  that  Ufens  erst  into  the  world's  life  brought, 

He  takes  alive  to  slay  them  —  gifts  for  that  great  ghost's  avail, 

And  with  a  shower  of  captive  blood  to  slake  the  dead  men's  bale.       520 

Then  next  at  Magus  from  afar  the  shaft  of  bane  he  sent ; 

Deftly  he  cowered,  and  on  above  the  quivering  weapon  went, 

And  clasping  both  ^Eneas'  knees  thus  spake  the  suppliant  one : 

"  O  by  thy  father's  ghost,  by  hope  lulus  hath  begun, 

I  pray  thee  for  my  sire  and  son  my  life  yet  let  me  win : 

I  have  a  high  house,  silver  wrought  is  dug  adown  therein, 

A  talent's  weight,  and  store  therewith  of  wrought  and  unwrought  gold : 

This  will  not  snatch  the  victory  from  out  the  Teucrian's  -hold, 

Nor  can  the  life  of  one  alone  such  mighty  matter  make." 

So  he,  but  answering  thereunto  this  word  ^Eneas  spake :  530 

"  Thy  gold  and  silver  talent's  weight,  whereof  thou  tell'st  such  store, 

Spare  for  thy  sons !  thy  Turnus  slew  such  chaffering  of  war 

When  Pallas'  death  he  brought  about  a  little  while  ago  ; 

So  deems  my  sire  Anchises'  ghost,  lulus  deemeth  so." 

Then  with  his  left  he  caught  the  helm  and  hilt-deep  thrust  the  blade 

Into  the  back-bent  throat  of  him  e'en  as  the  prayer  he  prayed. 


BOOK  X.  263 

Not  far  hence  was  Haemonides,  Phoebus'  and  Trivia's  priest, 

The  holy  fillets  on  his  brow,  his  glory  well  increased 

With  glorious  arms,  and  glittering  gear  shining  on  every  limb. 

Him  the  King  chaseth  o'er  the  field,  and,  standing  over  him,  540 

Hides  him  in  mighty  dusk  of  death ;  whose  gleaned  battle-gear, 

A  gift  to  thee,  O  battle-god,  back  doth  Serestus  bear. 

Then  Caeculus  of  Vulcan's  stem  the  hedge  of  battle-fills, 

And  Umbro  cometh  unto  fight  down  from  the  Marsian  hills. 

On  them  his  rage  the  Dardan  child  let  slip.     But  next  his  blade 

Anxur's  left  hand  and  orbed  shield  upon  the  meadow  laid. 

Proud  things  had  Anxur  said,  and  deemed  his  word  was  matched  by  might, 

And  so  perchance  he  raised  his  soul  up  to  the  heavenly  height, 

And  hoary  eld  he  looked  to  see,  and  many  a  peaceful  year. 

Tarquitius,  proud  of  heart  and  soul,  in  glittering  battk-gear,  550 

Whom  the  nymph  Dryope  of  yore  to  woodland  Faunus  gave, 

Came  thrusting  thwart  his  fiery  way ;  his  back-drawn  spear  he  drave, 

Pinning  his  mail-coat  unto  him,  and  mighty  mass  of  shield : 

His  vainly-praying  head,  that  strove  with  words,  upon  the  field 

He  swept  therewith,  and  rolling  o'er  his  carcase  warm  with  death, 

Above  him  from  the  heart  of  hate  such  words  as  this  he  saith : 

"  Lie  there,  fear-giver !  no  more  now  thy  mother  most  of  worth 

Shall  load  thee  with  thy  father's  tomb,  or  lay  thee  in  the  earth : 

Thou  shalt  be  left  to  birds  of  prey,  or  deep  adown  the  flood 

The  waves  shall  bear  thee,  and  thy  wounds  be  hungry  fishes'  food."    569 

Next  Lucas  and  Antaeus  stout,  foremost  of  Turnus'  men, 

He  chaseth :  Numa  staunch  of  heart  and  yellow  Gamers  then  ; 

A  man  from  high-souled  Volscens  sprung,  field-wealthiest  one  of  all 

Ausonian  men,  and  lord  within  the  hushed  Amyclae's  wall. 

E'en  as  ^gaeon,  who  they  say  had  arms  an  hundredfold, 

And  hundred  hands,  from  fifty  mouths  and  maws  the  wildfire  rolled, 


264  THE  ^ENEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

What  time  in  arms  against  the  bolts  from  Jove  of  Heaven  that  flew 

He  clashed  upon  the  fifty  shields  and  fifty  sword-points  drew : 

So  conquering,  over  all  the  mead  ^Eneas'  fury  burns  569 

When  once  his  sword  is  warm  with  death  :  and  now,  behold,  he  turns 

Upon  Niphaeus'  four-yoked  steeds,  and  breasts  their  very  breath. 

But  when  they  see  him  striding  far,  and  threatening  doom  and  death, 

In  utter  dread  they  turn  about,  and  rushing  back  again, 

They  shed  their  master  on  the  earth  and  shoreward  drag  the  wain. 

Meanwhile  with  twi-yoked  horses  white  fares  Lucagus  midst  men, 

His  brother  Liger  by  his  side,  who  holdeth  rein  as  then, 

And  turneth  steed,  while  Lucagus  the  drawn  sword  whirleth  wide. 

Them  and  their  war-rage  in  no  wise  ^Eneas  might  abide, 

But  on  he  rushes,  showing  huge  with  upheaved  threatening  shaft. 

Then  Liger  cast  a  word  at  him  :  580 

"  No  steeds  of  Diomede  thou  seest,  and  no  Achilles'  car 

Or  Phrygian  fields :  this  hour  shall  end  thy  life-days  and  the  war 

Here  on  this  earth." 

Such  words  as  these  from  witless  Liger  stray, 
But  nought  in  bandying  of  words  the  man  of  Troy  would  play ; 
Rather  his  mighty  battle-shaft  he  hurled  against  the  foe, 
While  Lucagus  his  horses  drives  with  spear-butt,  bending  low 
Over  the  lash,  and  setteth  forth  his  left  foot  for  the  fight. 
Beneath  the  bright  shield's  nether  rim  the  spear-shaft  takes  its  flight, 
Piercing  his  groin  upon  the  left :  then  shaken  from  his  wain, 
He  tumbleth  down  and  rolleth  o'er  in  death  upon  the  plain.  590 

To  whom  a  fierce  and  bitter  word  godly  ^Eneas  said : 

"  Ho,  Lucagus !  no  dastard  flight  of  steeds  thy  car  betrayed, 

No  empty  shadow  turned  them  back  from  facing  of  the  foe, 

But  thou  thyself  hast  leapt  from  wheel  and  let  the  yoke-beasts  go." 

He  spake,  and  caught  the  reins  withal ;  slipped  down  that  wretched  one 


BOOK  X.  265 

His  brother,  and  stretched  forth  the  hands  that  little  deed  had  done : 
"  By  thee,  by  those  that  brought  thee  forth  so  glorious  unto  day, 
O  Trojan  hero,  spare  my  life,  and  pity  me  that  pray !  " 

^Eneas  cut  athwart  his  speech :  "  Not  so  erewhile  ye  spake. 

Die !  ill  it  were  for  brother  thus  a  brother  to  forsake."  600 

And  in  his  breast  the  sword  he  drave  home  to  the  house  of  breath. 

Thus  through  the  meads  the  Dardan  Duke  set  forth  the  tale  of  death, 
With  rage  as  of  the  rushing  flood,  or  whirl-storm  of  the  wind. 
At  last  they  break  forth  into  field  and  leave  their  camp  behind, 
Ascanius  and  the  lads  of  war  in  vain  beleaguered. 

Meanwhile  to  Juno  Jupiter  set  forth  the  speech  and  said  : 

"  O  thou  who  art  my  sister  dear  and  sweetest  wife  in  one, 

'Tis  Venus  as  thou  deemedst,  (nought  thy  counsel  is  undone), 

Who  upholds  Trojan  might  forsooth :  they  lack  fight-eager  hand, 

They  lack  fierce  heart  and  steady  soul  the  peril  to  withstand !  "  610 

To  whom  spake  Juno,  meek  of  mood :  "  And  why,  O  fairest  lord, 

Dost  thou  so  vex  me  sad  at  heart,  fearing  thy  heavy  word  ? 

But  in  my  soul  were  love  as  strong  as  once  it  used  to  be, 

And  should  be,  thou  though  all  of  might  wouldst  ne'er  deny  it  me, 

That  Turnus  I  should  draw  away  from  out  the  midst  of  fight, 

That  I  might  keep  him  safe  to  bless  his  father  Daunus'  sight. 

Now  let  him  die,  let  hallowed  blood  the  Teucrian  hate  atone : 

And  yet  indeed  his  name  and  race  from  blood  of  ours  hath  grown ; 

He  from  Pilumnus  is  put  forth  :  yea,  good  gifts  furthermore 

His  open  hand  full  oft  hath  piled  within  thine  holy  door."  620 

To  whom  air-high  Olympus'  king  short-worded  answer  made : 

"  If  for  the  youth  who  soon  must  fall  respite  of  death  is  prayed, 

And  tarrying-time,  nor  aught  thou  deem'st  but  that  my  doom  must  stand, 


266  THE  ^ENEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

Then  carry  Turnus  off  by  flight,  snatch  him  from  fate  at  hand. 

So  far  thy  longing  may  I  please :  but  if  a  greater  grace 

Lurk  'neath  thy  prayers,  and  thou  hast  hope  to  change  the  battle's  face, 

And  turmoil  every  thing  once  more,  thou  feedest  hope  in  vain." 

Then  Juno  weeping :  "  Ah,  but  if  thy  heart  should  give  the  gain 

Thy  voice  begrudgeth  !  if  'twere  doomed  that  he  in  life  abide  — 

But  ill-end  dogs  the  sackless  man,  unless  I  wander  wide  630 

Away  from  sooth  —  Ah,  yet  may  I  be  mocked  of  fear-wrought  lies, 

And  may  thy  rede  as  thou  hast  might  be  turned  to  better  wise." 

She  spake  the  word  and  cast  herself  adown  from  heaven  the  high, 

Girt  round  with  rain-cloud,  driving  on  a  storm  amid  the  sky, 

And  that  Laurentian  leaguer  sought  and  Ilium's  hedge  of  fight. 

And  there  she  fashioned  of  the  cloud  a  shadow  lacking  might : 

With  image  of  ^Eneas'  shape  the  wondrous  show  is  drest, 

She  decks  it  with  the  Dardan  spear  and  shield,  and  mocks  the  crest 

Of  that  all-godlike  head,  and  gives  a  speech  that  empty  flows, 

Sound  without  soul,  and  counterfeits  the  gait  wherewith  he  goes,  —    640 

As  dead  men's  images  they  say  about  the  air  will  sweep, 

Or  as  the  senses  weary-drenched  are  mocked  with  dreams  of  sleep. 

But  in  the  fore-front  of  the  fight  war-merry  goes  the  thing, 

And  cries  the  warrior  on  with  words  and  weapons  brandishing : 

On  whom  falls  Turnus,  and  afar  hurleth  his  whizzing  spear : 

Then  turns  the  phantom  back  about  and  fleeth  as  in  fear. 

Then  verily  when  Turnus  deemed  he  saw  ^Eneas  fled, 

With  all  the  emptiness  of  hope  his  headlong  heart  he  fed : 

"Where  fleest  thou,  ^Eneas,  then  ?  why  leave  thy  plighted  bride  ?         649 

This  hand  shall  give  thee  earth  thou  sought'st  so  far  across  the  tide." 

So  cries  he  following,  brandishing  his  naked  sword  on  high, 

Nor  sees  what  wise  adown  the  wind  his  battle-bliss  goes  by. 

By  hap  a  ship  was  moored  anear  unto  a  ledgy  stone, 


BOOK  X.  267 

With  ladders  out  and  landing-bridge  all  ready  to  let  down, 

That  late  the  King  Orsinius  bore  from  Clusium  o'er  the  sea ; 

And  thereinto  the  hurrying  lie,  ^Eneas'  shape,  did  flee, 

And  down  its  lurking-places  dived  :  but  Turnus  none  the  more 

Hangs  back,  but  beating  down  delay  swift  runs  the  high  bridge  o'er. 

Scarce  on  the  prow,  ere  Juno  brake  the  mooring-rope  atwain, 

And  rapt  the  sundered  ship  away  o'er  back-draught  of  the  main.  660 

And  there  afar  from  fight  is  he  on  whom  ^Eneas  cries, 

Still  sending  down  to  death's  abode  an  host  of  enemies ; 

Nor  any  more  the  image  then  will  seek  his  shape  to  shroud, 

But  flying  upward  blendeth  him  amid  the  mirky  cloud. 

Meanwhile,  as  midmost  of  the  sea  the  flood  bore  Turnus  on, 

Blind  to  the  deed  that  was  in  hand,  thankless  for  safety  won, 

He  looketh  round,  and  hands  and  voice  starward  he  reacheth  forth : 

"  Almighty  Father,  deemedst  thou  my  guilt  so  much  of  worth  ? 

And  wouldst  thou  have  me  welter  through  such  woeful  tide  of  pain  ? 

Whence  ?  whither  ?  why  this  flight  ?  what  man  shall  I  come  back  again  ? 

Ah,  shall  I  see  Laurentum's  walls,  or  see  my  camp  once  more  ?  671 

What  shall  betide  the  fellowship  that  followed  me  to  war, 

Whom  I  have  left  ?    O  misery  to  die  the  death  alone ! 

I  see  them  scattered  even  now,  I  hear  the  dying  groan. 

What  do  I  ?  what  abyss  of  earth  is  deep  enough  to  hide 

The  wretched  man  ?     But  ye,  O  winds,  be  merciful  this  tide, 

On  rocks,  on  stones  —  I,  Turnus,  thus  adore  you  with  good  will  — 

Drive  ye  the  ship,  or  cast  it  up  on  Syrtes'  shoals  of  ill, 

Where  Rutuli  and  tell-tale  Fame  shall  never  find  me  out ! " 

Hither  and  thither  as  he  spake  his  spirit  swam  in  doubt,  680 

Shall  he  now  fall  upon  the  point,  whom  shame  hath  witless  made, 

Amidmost  of  his  very  ribs  driving  the  bitter  blade ; 

Or  casting  him  amid  the  waves  swim  for  the  hollow  strand, 

And  give  his  body  back  again  to  sworded  Teucrian  band  ? 


268  THE  ^ENEIDS  OF  VIRGIL. 

Thrice  either  deed  he  fell  to  do,  and  thrice  for  very  ruth 
The  mightiest  Juno  stayed  his  hand  and  held  aback  his  youth. 
So  'neath  a  fair  and  following  wind  he  glideth  o'er  the  sea, 
And  to  his  father's  ancient  walls  is  ferried  presently. 

Meanwhile,  by  Jupiter's  command,  Mezentius  props  the  fight, 

And  all  ablaze  he  falleth  on  the  gladdened  Teucrian  might :  690 

The  Tuscan  host  rush  up,  and  all  upon  one  man  alone 

Press  on  with  hatred  in  their  hearts  and  cloud  of  weapons  thrown. 

Yet  is  he  as  a  rock  thrust  out  amid  the  mighty  deep 

To  meet  the  raging  of  the  winds,  bare  to  the  water's  sweep. 

All  threats  of  sea  and  sky  it  bears,  all  might  that  they  may  wield, 

Itself  unmoved.     Dolichaon's  son  he  felleth  unto  field, 

One  Hebrus ;  Latagus  with  him,  and  Palmus  as  he  fled. 

But  Latagus  with  stone  he  smites,  a  mighty  mountain-shred, 

Amid  the  face  and  front  of  him,  and  Palmus,  slow  to  dare, 

Sends  rolling  hamstrung :  but  their  arms  he  biddeth  Lausus  bear         700 

Upon  his  back,  and  with  their  crests  upon  his  helm  to  wend. 

Phrygian  Evanthes  then  he  slays,  and  Mimas,  whiles  the  friend 

Like-aged  of  Paris  ;  unto  day  and  Amycus  his  sire 

Theano  gave  him  on  the  night  that  she  who  went  with  fire, 

E'en  Cisseus'  daughter,  Paris  bore :  now  Paris  lies  asleep 

In  ancient  Troy  ;  Laurentian  land  unknown  doth  Mimas  keep. 

Tis  as  a  boar  by  bite  of  hounds  from  the  high  mountains  driven, 
Who  on  pine-nursing  Vesulus  a  many  years  hath  thriven, 
Or  safe  in  that  Laurentian  marsh  long  years  hath  had  his  home, 
And  fed  adown  the  reedy  wood  ;  now  mid  the  toil-nets  come  713 

He  stands  at  bay,  and  foameth  fierce,  and  bristleth  up  all  o'er, 
And  none  hath  heart  to  draw  anigh  and  rouse  the  wrath  of  war, 
But  with  safe  shouts  and  shafts  aloof  they  press  about  the  place ; 
While  he,  unhastening,  unafeard,  doth  everywhither  face, 
Gnashing  his  teeth  and  shaking  off  the  spears  from  out  his  back. 


BOOK  X.  269 

So  they,  who  'gainst  Mezentius  there  just  wrath  do  nowise  lack, 
Lack  heart  to  meet  him  hand  to  hand  with  naked  brandished  blade, 
But  clamour  huge  and  weapon-shot  from  far  upon  him  laid. 

From  that  old  land  of  Corythus  erewhile  had  Acron  come, 

A  Grecian  man ;  half- wed  he  passed  the  threshold  of  his  home :  720 

Whom  when  Mezentius  saw  afar  turmoiling  the  mid  fight, 

Purple  with  plumes  and  glorious  web  his  love  for  him  had  dight ; 

E'en  as  a  lion  hunger-pinched  about  the  high-fenced  fold, 

When  ravening  famine  driveth  him,  if  he  by  chance  behold 

Some  she-goat,  or  a  hart  that  thrusts  his  antlers  up  in  air, 

Merry  he  waxeth,  gaping  fierce  his  mane  doth  he  uprear, 

And  hugs  the  flesh  he  lies  upon  ;  a  loathsome  sea  of  blood 

Washes  the  horror  of  his  mouth. 

So  merry  runs  Mezentius  forth  amid  the  press  of  foes, 

And  hapless  Acron  falls,  and  pounds  the  black  earth  mid  his  throes    730 

With  beat  of  heel ;  staining  the  shaft  that  splintered  in  the  wound. 

Scorn  had  he  then  Orodes  swift  to  fell  unto  the  ground 

Amidst  his  flight,  or  give  blind  bane  with  unknown  cast  afar  j 

He  ran  to  meet  him  man  to  man,  prevailing  in  the  war 

By  nought  of  guile  or  ambushing,  but  by  the  dint  of  blade. 

Foot  on  the  fallen  then  he  set,  and  strength  to  spear-shaft  laid  : 

"  Fellows,  here  tall  Orodes  lies,  no  thrall  in  battle  throng." 

Then  merrily  his  following  folk  shout  forth  their  victory-song : 

Yet  saith  the  dying : 

"  Whosoe'er  thou  art,  thou  winnest  me 

Not  unavenged  :  thy  joy  grows  old  :  the  like  fate  looks  for  thee,  740 

And  thou  the  self-same  lea  shalt  hold  within  a  little  while ! " 

To  whom  Mezentius  spake,  his  wrath  crossed  by  a  gathering  smile  : 
"  Die  thou !  the  Father  of  the  Gods,  the  earth-abider's  lord, 
Will  look  to  me." 

He  drew  the  spear  from  out  him  at  the  word, 


270  THE  ^ENEIDS  OF  VIRGIL. 

And  iron  slumber  fell  on  him,  hard  rest  weighed  down  his  eyes, 
And  shut  were  they  for  evermore  by  night  that  never  dies. 

Now  Caedicus  slays  Alcathous  ;  S  aerator  ends  outright 

Hydaspes ;  then  Parthenius  stark  and  Orses  fall  in  fight 

By  Rapo ;  and  Messapus  fells  strong  Clonius,  and  the  son, 

Of  Lycaon ;  one  laid  alow,  by  his  own  steeds  cast  down,  750 

One  foot  to  foot.     Lo  Agis  now,  the  Lycian,  standeth  forth, 

Whom  Valerus,  that  nothing  lacked  his  grandsire's  might  and  worth, 

O'erthroweth :  Salius  Thronius  slays  j  Nealces,  Salius ; 

For  skilled  he  was  in  dart  and  shaft,  far-flying,  perilous. 

Now  grief  and  death  in  Mavors'  scales  even  for  each  they  lie  ; 

Victors  and  vanquished,  here  they  slay,  and  here  they  fall  and  die. 

But  neither  these  nor  those  forsooth  had  fleeing  in  their  thought. 

But  in  Jove's  house  the  Gods  had  ruth  of  rage  that  nothing  wrought, 

And  such  a  world  of  troubles  sore  for  men  of  dying  days ; 

On  this  side  Venus,  and  on  that  Saturnian  Juno  gaze ;  760 

And  wan  Tisiphone  runs  wild  amid  the  thousands  there. 

But  lo,  Mezentius  fierce  and  fell,  shaking  a  mighty  spear, 

Stalks  o'er  the  plain.  —  Lo  now,  how  great  doth  great  Orion  sweep 

Afoot  across  the  Nereus'  field,  the  mid  sea's  mightiest  deep, 

Cleaving  his  way,  raised  shoulder-high  above  the  billowy  wash ; 

Or  when  from  off  the  mountain-top  he  bears  an  ancient  ash 

His  feet  are  on  the  soil  of  earth,  the  cloud-rack  hides  his  head : 

—  E'en  so  in  mighty  battle-gear  afield  Mezentius  sped. 

But  now  ^Eneas,  noting  him  adown  the  battle-row, 

Wendeth  to  meet  him ;  undismayed  he  bideth  for  his  foe,  770 

Facing  the  great-souled  man,  and  stands  unmoved,  a  mighty  mass : 

Then  measuring  the  space  between  if  spear  thereby  may  pass : 

"  Right  hand,"  he  cries,  "  my  very  God,  and  fleeing  spear  I  shake, 

To  aid !    Thee,  Lausus,  clad  in  arms  that  I  to-day  shall  take 


BOOK   X.  271 

From  body  of  the  sea-thief  here  I  vow  for  gift  of  war 
Over  ^Eneas  slain." 

He  spake,  and  hurled  the  shaft  afar 

Loud  whistling :  from  the  shield  it  glanced,  and  flying  far  and  wide 
Smit  glory-great  Antores  down  through  bowels  and  through  side : 
Antores  friend  of  Hercules,  who,  erst  from  Argos  come, 
Clung  to  Evander,  and  abode  in  that  Italian  home :  780 

There  laid  to  earth  by  straying  wound  he  looketh  on  the  sky, 
With  lovely  Argos  in  his  heart,  though  death  be  come  anigh. 
Then  good  ^Eneas  cast  his  spear,  and  through  the  hollow  round 
Of  triple  brass,  through  linen  skin,  through  craftsmanship  inwound, 
With  threefold  bull-hides,  pierced  the  shaft,  and  in  the  groin  did  lie, 
Nor  further  could  its  might  avail.     Then  swiftly  from  his  thigh 
^Eneas  caught  his  glaive,  and  glad  the  Tyrrhene  blood  to  see, 
Set  on  upon  his  wildered  foe  hot-heart  and  eagerly. 
But  Lausus,  by  his  father's  love  sore  moved,  did  all  behold, 
And  groaned  aloud,  while  o'er  his  cheeks  a  heavy  tear-flood  rolled       790 
—  Ah,  I  will  tell  of  thine  ill-fate  and  deeds  that  thou  hast  done ; 
If  any  troth  in  stories  told  may  reach  from  yore  agone, 
My  speech,  O  unforgotten  youth,  in  nowise  shalt  thou  lack  — 
The  father  with  a  halting  foot  hampered  and  spent  drew  back, 
Still  dragging  on  the  foeman's  spear  that  hung  amid  his  shield ; 
But  mingling  him  in  battle-rush  the  son  took  up  the  field, 
And  as  ^Eneas'  right  hand  rose  well  laden  with  the  blow 
He  ran  beneath,  bore  off  the  sword,  and  stayed  the  eager  foe, 
And  with  a  mighty  shout  behind  his  fellows  follow  on, 
While  shielded  by  his  son's  defence  the  father  gat  him  gone,  800 

And  shafts  they  cast  and  vex  the  foe  with  weapon  shot  afar. 
Mad  wroth  ^Eneas  grows,  but  bides  well  covered  from  the  war ; 
And  as  at  whiles  the  clouds  come  down  with  furious  pelt  of  hail, 
And  every  driver  of  the  plough  the  beaten  lea  doth  fail, 
And  every  one  that  works  afield,  while  safe  the  traveller  lurks 
In  castle  of  the  river-bank  or  rock-wrought  cloister-works, 


272  THE  yENEIDS  OF  VIRGIL. 

The  while  the  rain  is  on  the  earth,  that  they  may  wear  the  day 

When  once  again  the  sun  comes  back ;  —  so  on  ./Eneas  lay 

The  shaft-storm,  so  the  hail  of  fight  loud  thundering  he  abode, 

And  Lausus  with  the  wrath  of  words,  Lausus  with  threats  did  load.     810 

"  Ah,  whither  rushest  thou  to  die,  and  darest  things  o'er-great  ? 

Thy  love  betrays  thine  heedless  heart." 

No  less,  the  fool  of  fate, 

He  rusheth  on,  till  high  and  fierce  the  tide  of  wrath  doth  win 
O'er  heart  of  that  Dardanian  duke,  and  now  the  Parcae  spin 
Lausus'  last  thread :  for  his  stark  sword  JEneas  drives  outright 
Through  the  young  body,  hiding  it  hilt-deep  therein  from  light. 
It  pierced  the  shield  and  glittering  gear  wherewith  he  threatened  war, 
And  kirtle  that  his  mother  erst  with  gold  had  broidered  o'er, 
And  flooded  all  his  breast  with  blood ;  and  woeful  down  the  wind 
His  spirit  sought  the  under-world,  and  left  his  corpse  behind.  820 

But  when  Anchises'  son  beheld  the  face  of  that  dead  man, 

His  face  that  in  a  wondrous  wise  grew  faded  out  and  wan, 

Groaning  for  ruth  his  hand  therewith  down  toward  him  did  he  move, 

For  o'er  his  soul  the  image  came  of  his  own  father's  love : 

"  O  boy,  whom  all  shall  weep,  what  then  for  such  a  glorious  deed, 

What  gift  can  good  ^Eneas  give,  thy  bounteous  valour's  meed  ? 

Keep  thou  the  arms  thou  joyedst  in.     I  give  thy  body  here 

Unto  thy  fathers'  buried  ghosts,  if  thou  thereof  hast  care. 

But  let  this  somewhat  solace  thee  for  thine  unhappy  death, 

By  great  ^Eneas'  hand  thou  diest" 

Then  chiding  words  he  saith         830 
Unto  his  fellows  hanging  back,  and  lifteth  up  the  dead 
From  off  the  lea,  where  blood  defiled  the  tresses  of  his  head. 

Meanwhile  the  father  by  the  wave  that  ripples  Tiber's  breast 
With  water  staunched  his  bleeding  hurt  and  gave  his  body  rest, 
Leaning  against  a  tree-trunk  there :  high  up  amid  the  tree 


BOOK  X.  273 

Hangeth  his  brazen  helm  ;  his  arms  lie  heavy  on  the  lea ; 

The  chosen  war-youths  stand  about :  he,  sick  and  panting  now, 

Nurseth  his  neck,  and  o'er  his  breast  his  combed-down  beard  lets  flow. 

Much  about  Lausus  did  he  ask,  and  sore  to  men  he  spake 

To  bid  him  back,  or  warning  word  from  his  sad  sire  to  take.  840 

But  Lausus  dead  his  weeping  folk  were  bearing  on  his  shield ; 

A  mighty  heart,  to  mighty  hand  the  victory  must  he  yield. 

The  father's  soul  foretaught  of  ill,  afar  their  wail  he  knew, 

And  fouled  his  hoar  hair  with  the  dust,  and  both  his  hands  upthrew 

Toward  heaven  aloft ;  then  clinging  fast  unto  that  lifeless  one : 

"  What  lust,"  saith  he,  "  of  longer  life  so  held  my  heart,  O  son, 

That  thee,  my  son,  I  suffered  thus  to  bare  thee  to  the  bane 

Instead  of  me  ;  that  I,  thy  sire,  health  of  thy  hurts  I  gain, 

Life  of  thy  death !     Ah  now  at  last  my  exile  is  become 

A  woe  unto  my  weary  heart ;  yea,  now  the  wound  goes  home.  850 

For  I  am  he  who  stained  thy  name,  O  son,  with  guilt  of  mine, 

Thrust  forth  by  Fate  from  fatherland  and  sceptre  of  my  line : 

I  should  have  paid  the  penalty  unto  my  country's  hate, 

And  given  up  my  guilty  soul  to  death,  my  very  fate. 

I  live :  I  leave  not  sons  of  men,  nor  let  the  light  go  by  — 

—  Yet  will  I  leave  them." 

So  he  spake,  and  on  his  halting  thigh 

Rose  up,  and,  howsoe'er  his  hurt  might  drag  his  body  down, 
Unvanquished  yet,  he  called  his  horse,  his  very  pleasures'  crown, 
And  glory ;  who  had  borne  him  forth  victorious  from  all  war ; 
And  thus  he  spake  unto  the  beast  that  seemed  to  sorrow  sore  :  860 

"  Rhcebus,  o'erlong —  if  aught  be  long  to  men  that  pass  away  — 

Have  we  twain  lived :  those  bloody  spoils  shalt  thou  bring  home  to-day, 

And  carrying  ^Eneas'  head  avenge  my  Lausus'  woe. 

Or  if  our  might  no  more  may  make  a  road  whereby  to  go, 

Thou  too  shalt  fall :  I  deem  indeed  thou,  stout-heart,  hast  no  will 


274  THE  ^ENEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

To  suffer  other  men's  commands,  or  Trojan  joy  fulfil." 

And  therewithal  he  backeth  him,  and  as  he  used  of  old 

Settleth  his  limbs  :  good  store  of  shafts  his  either  hand  doth  hold : 

His  head  is  glittering  o'er  with  brass,  and  horse-hair  shags  his  crest. 

So  midmost  of  the  fight  he  bears,  and  ever  in  his  breast  870 

Swelleth  the  mighty  sea  of  shame  and  mingled  miseries. 

And  now  across  the  fight  his  voice  thrice  on  ./Eneas  cries. 

.(Eneas  knew  it  well  forsooth,  and  joyfully  he  prayed : 

"  So  grant  the  Father  of  the  Gods  !     So  may  Apollo  aid 

That  thou  may'st  fall  on  me  in  fight ! " 

So  much  he  spake,  and  went  his  way  to  meet  the  foeman's  shaft ; 

But  spake  the  other :  "  Bitter  wretch,  who  took'st  away  my  son, 

Why  fright  me  now  ?  by  that  one  way  my  heart  might  be  undone : 

No  death  I  dread,  no  God  that  is,  in  battle  would  I  spare. 

Enough  —  I  come  to  thee  to  die  ;  but  first  these  gifts  I  bear."  880 

He  spake  the  word,  and  'gainst  the  foe  a  dart  withal  he  cast, 

And  shaft  on  shaft  he  lays  on  him  about  him  flitting  fast, 

Wide  circling ;  but  the  golden  boss  through  all  the  storm  bore  out 

Thrice  while  JEneas  faceth  him  he  rides  the  ring  about, 

Casting  the  weapons  from  his  hand ;  and  thrice  the  Trojan  lord 

Bears  round  a  mighty  thicket  set  in  brazen  battle-board. 

But  when  such  tarrying  wearieth  him,  such  plucking  forth  of  spears, 

And  standing  in  such  ill-matched  fight  the  heart  within  him  wears, 

Turning  the  thing  o'er  manywise,  he  breaketh  forth  to  speed 

A  shaft  amid  the  hollow  brow  of  that  war-famous  steed :  890 

Then  beating  of  the  air  with  hoof  uprears  the  four-foot  thing 

And  with  his  fallen  master  falls,  and  'neath  his  cumbering 

Weighs  down  his  shoulders  brought  to  earth,  and  heavy  on  him  lies. 

Then  Trojan  men  and  Latin  men  with  shouting  burn  the  skies, 

And  swift  ^Eneas  runneth  up  and  pulleth  forth  his  sword, 


BOOK  X.  275 

And  crieth  o'er  him : 

"  Where  is  now  Mezentius,  eager  lord  ? 
Where  is  the  fierce  heart  ? " 

Unto  whom  the  Tuscan  spake,  when  he 

Got  sense  again,  and  breathed  the  air,  and  o'er  him  heaven  did  see :    900 
"  O  bitter  foe,  why  chidest  thou  ?  why  slayest  thou  with  words  ? 
Slay  me  and  do  no  wrong !  death-safe  I  came  not  'mid  the  swords  ; 
And  no  such  covenant  of  war  for  us  my  Lausus  bought : 
One  thing  I  pray,  if  vanquished  men  of  grace  may  gain  them  aught, 
Let  the  earth  hide  me !  well  I  know  how  bitter  and  how  nigh 
My  people's  wrath  draws  in  on  me  :  put  thou  their  fury  by, 
And  in  the  tomb  beside  my  son  I  pray  thee  let  me  lie." 

He  saith,  and  open-eyed  receives  the  sword-point  in  his  throat, 
And  o'er  his  arms  in  waves  of  blood  his  life  and  soul  doth  float. 


BOOK     XI. 


ARGUMENT. 

TRUCE    IS    MADE    FOR    THE    BURYING    OF    THE    DEAD:    THE    LATINS    TAKE 
COUNSEL   OF   PEACE   OR   WAR.      CAMILLA'S   DEEDS   AND    DEATH. 

"V/TEANWHILE  Aurora  risen  up  from  bed  of  ocean  wends, 

And  King  ^Eneas,  though  his  grief  bids  him  in  burying  friends 
To  wear  the  day,  and  though  his  heart  the  death  of  men  dismays, 
Yet  to  the  Gods  of  Dawning-tide  the  worship  duly  pays. 
From  a  great  oak  on  every  side  the  branches  doth  he  shear, 
And  setteth  on  a  mound  bedight  in  gleaming  battle-gear 
The  spoils  of  King  Mezentius  :  a  gift  to  thee  it  stood, 
O  Might  of  War  !     Thereon  he  set  the  crest  with  blood  bedewed, 
The  broken  shafts,  the  mail-coat  pierced  amid  the  foughten  field 
With  twice  six  dints :  on  the  left  arm  he  tied  the  brazen  shield,  10 

And  round  about  the  neck  he  hung  the  ivory-hilted  sword. 
Then  to  his  friends,  a  mighty  hedge  of  duke  and  battle-lord, 
He  turned,  and  to  their  joyous  hearts  these  words  withal  he  said : 

"  The  most  is  done,  and  for  the  rest  let  all  your  fears  lie  dead : 

Lo  here  the  first-fruits  !  battle-spoil  won  from  a  haughty  king : 

Lo  this  is  all  Mezentius  now,  mine  own  hands'  fashioning. 

Now  toward  the  King  and  Latin  walls  all  open  lies  the  way ; 

Up  hearts,  for  war !  and  let  your  hope  foregrip  the  battle-day, 

That  nought  of  sloth  may  hinder  you,  or  take  you  unaware, 

When  Gods  shall  bid  the  banners  up,  and  forth  with  men  ye  fare  20 

From  out  of  camp,  —  that  craven  dread  clog  not  your  spirits  then : 


BOOK  XI.  277 

Meanwhile  give  we  unto  the  earth  these  our  unburied  men, 

The  only  honour  they  may  have  in  nether  Acheron. 

Come,  fellows,  to  those  noble  souls  who  with  their  blood  have  won 

A  country  for  us,  give  those  gifts,  the  last  that  they  may  spend. 

And  first  unto  Evander's  town  of  sorrow  shall  I  send 

That  Pallas,  whom,  in  nowise  poor  of  valour  or  renown, 

The  black  day  reft  away  from  us  in  bitter  death  to  drown." 

With  weeping  eyes  he  drew  aback,  e'en  as  the  word  he  said, 

Unto  the  threshold  of  the  place  where  Pallas,  cold  and  dead,  30 

The  old  Accetes  watched,  who  erst  of  that  Parrhasian  King, 

Evander,  was  the  shield-bearer,  but  now  was  following 

His  well  beloved  foster-child  in  no  such  happy  wise  ; 

But  round  him  were  the  homemen's  band  and  Trojan  companies, 

And  Ilian  wives  with  loosened  locks  in  guise  of  sorrow  sore. 

But  when  ^Eneas  entereth  now  beneath  the  lofty  door 

From  beaten  breast  great  moan  they  cast  up  to  the  starry  heaven  j 

And  wailing  of  their  woeful  cheer  through  all  the  house  is  driven. 

The  King  himself  when  he  beheld  the  pillowed  head  at  rest,  39 

The  snow-white  face,  the  open  wound  wrought  on  the  smooth  young  breast 

By  that  Ausonian  spear,  so  spake  amid  his  gathered  tears : 

"  O  boy  bewept,  despite  the  gifts  my  happy  Fortune  bears 

Doth  she  still  grudge  it  thee  to  see  my  kingdom  glorious, 

Or  come  a  victor  back  again  unto  thy  father's  house  ? 

Not  such  the  promise  that  I  gave  on  that  departing  day 

Unto  thy  father,  whose  embrace  then  sped  me  on  my  way 

To  mighty  lordship,  while  his  fear  gave  forth  the  warning  word 

That  with  fierce  folk  I  had  to  do,  hard  people  of  the  sword. 

Now  he,  deceived  by  empty  hope,  belike  pours  forth  the  prayer, 

And  pileth  up  the  gifts  for  nought  upon  the  altars  fair,  50 

While  we  —  in  woe  with  honours  vain  —  about  his  son  we  stand, 

Dead  now,  and  no  more  owing  aught  to  any  heavenly  hand. 


278  THE  ^ENEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

Unhappy,  thou  shalt  look  upon  thy  dead  unhappy  son ! 

Is  this  the  coming  back  again  ?  is  this  the  triumph  won  ? 

Is  this  my  solemn  troth  ?  —  Yet  thee,  Evander,  bides  no  sight 

Of  craven  beat  with  shameful  wounds,  nor  for  the  saved  from  fight 

Shalt  thou  but  long  for  dreadful  death.  —  Woe's  me,  Ausonian  land ! 

Woe's  me,  lulus,  what  a  shield  is  perished  from  thine  hand  ! " 

Such  wise  he  wept  him,  and  bade  raise  the  hapless  body  dead, 

And  therewithal  a  thousand  men,  his  war-hosts'  flower,  he  sped  60 

To  wait  upon  him  on  the  way  with  that  last  help  of  all, 

And  be  between  his  father's  tears :  forsooth  a  solace  small 

Of  mighty  grief ;  a  debt  no  less  to  that  sad  father  due. 

But  others  speed  a  pliant  bier  weaving  a  wattle  through, 

Of  limber  twigs  of  berry-bush  and  boughs  of  oaken-tree, 

And  shadow  o'er  the  piled-up  bed  with  leafy  canopy. 

So  there  upon  the  wild- wood  couch  adown  the  youth  is  laid ; 

E'en  as  a  blossom  dropped  to  earth  from  fingers  of  a  maid  — 

The  gilliflower's  bloom  maybe,  or  jacinth's  hanging  head, 

Whose  lovely  colour  is  not  gone,  nor  shapely  fashion  fled,  70 

Although  its  mother  feedeth  not,  nor  earth  its  life  doth  hold. 

Thereon  two  woven  webs,  all  stiff  with  purple  dye  and  gold, 

^Eneas  bringeth  forth,  which  erst  with  her  own  fingers  fair 

Sidonian  Dido  wrought  for  him,  and,  glad  the  toil  to  bear, 

Had  shot  across  the  web  thereof  with  thin  and  golden  thread : 

In  one  of  these  the  youth  he  wrapped,  last  honour  of  the  dead, 

And,  woeful,  covered  up  the  locks  that  fire  should  burn  away. 

And  furthermore  a  many  things,  Laurentum's  battle-prey, 

He  pileth  up,  and  bids  the  spoil  in  long  array  be  borne : 

Horses  and  battle-gear  he  adds,  late  from  the  foemen  torn  :  80 

And  men's  hands  had  he  bound  aback  whom  shortly  should  he  send 

Unto  the  ghosts  ;  whose  blood  should  slake  the  fire  that  ate  his  friend. 

And  trunks  of  trees  with  battle-gear  from  foemen's  bodies  won 

He  bids  the  leaders  carry  forth,  with  foemen's  names  thereon. 


BOOK  XL  279 

Hapless  Acoetes,  spent  with  eld,  is  brought  forth  ;  whiles  he  wears 
His  bosom  with  the  beat  of  fists,  and  whiles  his  face  he  tears  : 
Then  forth  he  falls,  and  grovelling  there  upon  the  ground  doth  lie. 
They  bring  the  war-wain  now,  o'errained  with  blood  of  Rutuli : 
JEthon  his  war-horse  comes  behind,  stripped  of  his  gear  of  state, 
Mourning  he  goes,  and  wets  his  face  with  plenteous  tear-drops  great.    90 
Some  bring  the  dead  man's  spear  and  helm :  victorious  Turnus'  hand 
Hath  all  the  rest :  then  follow  on  the  woeful  Teucrian  band, 
All  Tuscans,  and  Arcadian  folk  with  weapons  turned  about 

But  now,  when  all  the  following  folk  were  got  a  long  way  out, 
^Sneas  stood  and  groaned  aloud,  and  spake  these  words  withal : 
"  Us  otherwhere  to  other  tears  the  same  dread  war-fates  call ; 
Undying  greetings  go  with  thee  !  farewell  for  evermore, 

0  mightiest  Pallas  !  " 

Ending  so,  to  those  high  walls  of  war 
He  turned  about,  and  went  his  ways  unto  his  war-folks'  home. 

But  from  the  Latin  city  now  were  fair  speech-masters  come*  ro« 

Half-hidden  by  the  olive-boughs,  and  praying  for  a  grace, 
That  he  would  give  them  back  their  men  who  lay  about  the  place 
O'erthrown  by  steel,  and  let  them  lie  in  earth-mound  duly  dight ; . 
Since  war  was  not  for  men  o'ercome,  or  those  that  lack  the  light  — 
That  he  would  spare  his  whileome  hosts,  the  kinsmen  of  his  bride. 

But  good  ^Eneas,  since  their  prayer  might  not  be  put  aside, 

Let  all  his  pardon  fall  on  them,  and  sayeth  furthermore  : 

"  O  Latin  folk,  what  hapless  fate  hath  tangled  you  in  war 

So  great  and  ill  ?     From  us,  your  friends,  why  must  ye  flee  away? 

For  perished  men,  dead  thralls  of  Mars,  a  little  peace  ye  pray,  tic 

But  to  your  living  folk  indeed  fain  would  I  grant  the  grace. 

1  had  not  come  here,  save  that  Fate  here  gave  me  home  and  place : 
No  battle  with  your  folk  I  wage  ;  nay,  rather  'twas  your  lord 


28o  THE  ^ENEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

Who  left  my  friendship,  trusting  him  to  Turnus'  shield  and  sword. 
For  Turnus  to  have  faced  the  death  were  deed  of  better  worth : 
If  he  deems  hands  should  end  the  war  and  thrust  the  Teucrians  forth, 
'Twere  lovely  deed  to  meet  my  hand  amid  the  rain  of  strife  ; 
Then  let  him  live  to  whom  the  Gods  have  given  the  gift  of  life. 
Go  ye,  and  'neath  your  hapless  ones  lay  ye  the  bale-fire's  blaze." 

He  made  an  end  ;  but  still  they  stood  and  hushed  them  in  amaze,        120 

And  each  on  each  they  turned  their  eyes,  and  every  tongue  refrained, 

Till  elder  Drances,  whom  for  foe  child  Turnus  well  had  gained 

By  hate-filled  charges,  took  the  word,  and  in  such  wise  began : 

"  O  great  in  fame,  in  dint  of  war  yet  greater,  Trojan  man  ! 

What  praise  of  words  is  left  to  me  to  raise  thee  to  the  sky? 

For  justice  shall  I  praise  thee  most,  or  battle's  mastery  ? 

Now  happy,  to  our  fathers'  town  this  answer  back  we  bear, 

And  if  goodhap  a  way  thereto  may  open  anywhere, 

Thee  to  Latinus  will  we  knit  —  let  Turnus  seek  his  own  !  — 

Yea,  we  shall  deem  it  joy  forsooth  about  your  fateful  town  130 

To  raise  the  walls,  and  Trojan  stones  upon  our  backs  to  lay." 

Such  words  he  spake,  and  with  one  mouth  did  all  men  murmur  yea. 
For  twice  six  days'  they  covenant ;  and  in  war-sundering  peace 
The  Teucrians  and  the  Latins  blent  about  the  woods  increase, 
About  the  hill-sides  wander  safe ;  the  smitten  ash  doth  know 
The  ring  of  steel ;  the  pines  that  thrust  heaven-high  they  overthrow ; 
Nor  cease  with  wedge  to  cleave  the  oak  and  cedar  shedding  scent, 
Or  on  the  wains  to  lead  away  the  rowan's  last  lament. 

And  now  the  very  Winged  Fame,  with  that  great  grief  she  bears, 
Filleth  Evander's  town  and  house,  filleth  Evander's  ears ;  140 

Yea,  Fame,  who  erst  of  Pallas'  deeds  in  conquered  Latium  told : 
Rush  the  Arcadians  to  the  gates,  and  as  they  used  of  old, 
Snatch  up  the  torches  of  the  dead,  and  with  the  long  array 


BOOK  XI.  281 

Of  flames  the  acre-cleaving  road  gleams  litten  far  away : 

Then  meeteth  them  the  Phrygian  crowd,  and  swells  the  wailing  band  ; 

And  when  the  mothers  saw  them  come  amid  the  house-built  land, 

The  woeful  town  they  set  afire  with  clamour  of  their  ill. 

But  nought  there  is  hath  any  might  to  hold  Evander  still ; 

He  comes  amidst,  and  on  the  bier  where  Pallas  lies  alow 

He  grovels,  and  with  weeping  sore  and  groaning  clings  thereto  ;  150 

And  scarce  from  sorrow  at  the  last  his  speech  might  win  a  way : 

"  Pallas,  this  holdeth  not  the  word  thou  gavest  me  that  day, 

That  thou  wouldst  ward  thee  warily  in  game  of  bitter  Mars : 

Though  sooth  I  knew  how  strong  it  is,  that  first  fame  of  the  wars  ; 

How  strong  is  that  o'er-sweet  delight  of  earliest  battle  won. 

O  wretched  schooling  of  my  child  !     O  seeds  of  war  begun, 

How  bitter  hard  !     O  prayers  of  mine,  O  vows  that  none  would  hear 

Of  all  the  Gods  !     O  holiest  wife,  thy  death  at  least  was  dear, 

And  thou  art  happy  to  be  gone,  not  kept  for  such  a  tide. 

But  I  —  my  life  hath  conquered  Fate,  that  here  I  might  abide  160 

A  lonely  father.     Ah,  had  I  gone  with  the  Trojan  host, 

To  fall  amid  Rutulian  spears  !  were  mine  the  life-days  lost  \ 

If  me,  not  Pallas,  this  sad  pomp  were  bringing  home  to-day !  — 

Yet,  Teucrians,  on  your  troth  and  you  no  blaming  would  I  lay, 

Nor  on  our  hands  in  friendship  joined :  'twas  a  fore-ordered  load 

For  mine  old  age  :  and  if  my  son  untimely  death  abode, 

'Tis  sweet  to  think  he  fell  amidst  the  thousand  Volscians  slain, 

And  leading  on  the  men  of  Troy  the  Latin  lands  to  gain. 

Pallas,  no  better  funeral  rites  mine  heart  to  thee  awards 

Than  good  ./Eneas  giveth  thee,  and  these  great  Phrygian  lords,  ijc 

The  Tyrrhene  dukes,  the  Tyrrhene  host,  a  mighty  company ; 

While  they  whom  thine  own  hand  hath  slain  great  trophies  bear  for  thee. 

Yea,  Turnus,  thou  wert  standing  there,  a  huge  trunk  weapon-clad, 

If  equal  age,  if  equal  strength  from  lapse  of  years  ye  had. 

—  But  out!  —  why  should  a  hapless  man  thus  stay  the  Teucrian  swords? 


a8a  THE  ^ENEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

Go,  and  be  mindful  to  your  king  to  carry  these  my  words  : 

If  here  by  loathed  life  I  bide,  with  Pallas  dead  and  gone, 

Thy  right  hand  is  the  cause  thereof,  which  unto  sire  and  son 

Owes  Turnus,  as  thou  wottest  well  :  no  other  place  there  is 

Thy  worth  and  fate  may  fill.     God  wot  I  seek  no  life-days'  bliss,  i8a 

But  might  I  bear  my  son  this  tale  amid  the  ghosts  of  earth  !  " 

Meanwhile  the  loveliness  of  light  Aurora  brought  to  birth 

For  heartsick  men,  and  brought  aback  the  toil  of  heart  and  hand  : 

Father  ^Eneas  therewithal  down  on  the  hollow  strand, 

And  Tarchon  with  him,  rear  the  bales  ;  and  each  man  thither  bears 

His  dead  friend  in  the  ancient  guise :  beneath  the  black  flame  flares, 

The  heaven  aloft  for  reek  thereof  with  night  is  overlaid : 

Three  times  about  the  litten  bales  in  glittering  arms  arrayed 

They  run  the  course  ;  three  times  on  steed  they  beat  the  earth  about 

Those  woeful  candles  of  the  dead  and  sing  their  wailing  out ;  190 

The  earth  is  strewn  with  tears  of  men,  and  arms  of  men  forlorn, 

And  heavenward  goes  the  shout  of  men  and  blaring  of  the  horn  : 

But  some  upon  the  bale-fires  cast  gear  stripped  from  Latins  slain : 

War-helms,  and  well-adorned  swords,  and  harness  of  the  rein, 

And  glowing  wheels  :  but  overwell  some  knew  the  gifts  they  brought, 

The  very  shields  of  their  dead  friends  and  weapons  sped  for  nought. 

Then  oxen  manifold  to  Death  all  round  about  they  slay, 

And  bristled  boars,  and  sheep  they  snatch  from  meadows  wide  away, 

And  hew  them  down  upon  the  flame ;  then  all  the  shore  about 

They  gaze  upon  their  burning  friends,  and  watch  the  bale  fires  out.      aoc 

Nor  may  they  tear  themselves  away  until  the  dewy  night 

Hath  turned  the  heavens  about  again  with  gleaming  stars  bedight. 

Nor  less  the  unhappy  Latins  build  upon  another  stead 

The  bale-fires  numberless  of  tale :  but  of  their  warriors  dead, 

A  many  bodies  there  they  dig  into  the  earth  adown, 

And  bear  them  into  neighbouring  lands,  or  back  into  the  town : 


BOOK  XI.  283 

The  rest,  a  mighty  heap  of  death  piled  up  confusedly, 

Untold,  unhonoured,  there  they  burn :  then  that  wide-lying  lea 

Glareth  with  fires  that  thick  and  fast  keep  rising  high  and  high. 

But  when  the  third  dawn  drew  away  cold  shadows  from  the  sky,  210 

Weeping,  great  heaps  of  ashes  there  and  blended  bones  they  made, 

And  over  them  the  weight  of  earth  yet  warm  with  fire  they  laid. 

But  in  the  houses,  in  the  town  of  that  rich  Latin  king 

More  heavy  was  the  wail,  more  sore  the  long-drawn  sorrowing : 

Here  mothers,  wretched  fosterers  here,  here  sisters  loved  and  lorn, 

And  sorrowing  sore,  and  lads  whose  lives  from  fathers'  care  were  torn, 

Were  cursing  of  the  cruel  war,  and  Turnus  and  his  bride, 

"  He,  he,  in  arms,  he  with  the  sword  should  play  it  out,"  they  cried, 

"  Who  claims  the  realm  of  Italy  and  foremost  lordship  there." 

And  bitter  Drances  weights  the  scale,  and  witnessing  doth  bear  220 

That  Turnus  only  is  called  forth,  the  battle-bidden  man. 

But  divers  words  of  many  folk  on  Turnus'  side  yet  ran, 

And  he  was  cloaked  about  withal  by  great  Amata's  name, 

And  plenteous  signs  of  battle  won  upheld  his  fair-won  fame. 

Now  midst  these  stirs  and  flaming  broils  the  messengers  are  here 

From  Diomedes'  mighty  walls  ;  and  little  is  the  cheer 

Wherewith  they  bring  the  tidings  back  that  every  whit  hath  failed 

Their  toil  and  pains :  that  not  a  whit  hath  gold  or  gifts  availed, 

Or  mighty  prayers,  that  Latin  folk  some  other  stay  in  war 

Must  seek,  or  from  the  Trojan  king  a  craven  peace  implore.  230 

Then  e'en  Latinus'  counsel  failed  amid  such  miseries : 

The  wrath  of  God,  the  tombs  new-wrought  that  lay  before  their  eyes, 

Made  manifest  ^Eneas  come  by  will  of  God  and  Fate. 

Therefore  a  mighty  parliament,  the  firstlings  of  estate, 

By  his  commandment  summoned  there,  unto  his  house  he  brings. 

Wherefore  they  gather,  streaming  forth  unto  that  house  of  kings 

By  the  thronged  ways ;  there  in  the  midst  Latinus  sitteth  now, 


284  THE  ^ENEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

First-born  of  years,  first  lord  of  rule,  with  little  joyful  brow. 

Hereon  the  men  come  back  again  from  that  ^Etolian  wall 

He  biddeth  tell  their  errand's  speed,  what  answers  did  befall,  240 

Each  in  their  order  :  thereupon  for  speech  was  silence  made, 

And  Venulus,  obeying  him,  such  wise  began  and  said 

"  Friends,  we  have  looked  on  Diomede  and  on  the  Argive  home, 

And  all  the  road  and  every  hap  thereby  have  overcome : 

Yea,  soothly,  we  have  touched  the  hand  that  wracked  the  Ilian  earth : 

Argyripa  he  buildeth  there,  named  from  his  land  of  birth, 

In  lapygian  Garganus,  where  he  hath  conquered  place. 

Where,  entered  in,  and  leave  being  given  to  speak  before  his  face, 

We  gave  our  gifts,  and  told  our  names,  and  whence  of  lands  we  were, 

Who  waged  us  war,  and  for  what  cause  to  Arpi  we  must  fare.  250 

He  hearkened  and  from  quiet  mouth  gave  answer  thus  again : 

"  *  O  happy  folk  of  Saturn's  land,  time-old  Ausonian  men, 

What  evil  hap  hath  turmoiled  you  amid  your  peaceful  life, 

Beguiling  you  to  stir  abroad  the  doubtfulness  of  strife  ? 

All  we  who  on  the  Ilian  fields  with  sword-edge  compassed  guilt, 

—  Let  be  the  war-ills  we  abode  before  the  wall  high  built ; 

Let  be  the  men  whom  Simois  hides  —  we  o'er  the  wide  world  driven, 

Have  wrought  out  pain  and  punishment  for  ill  deed  unforgiven, 

Till  Priam's  self  might  pity  us.    Witness  the  star  of  bane 

Minerva  sent ;  Euboea's  cliffs,  Caphereus'  vengeful  gain  !  260 

'Scaped  from  that  war,  and  driven  away  to  countries  sundered  wide, 

By  Proteus'  Pillars  exiled  now,  must  Menelaiis  bide  ; 

And  those  yEtnaean  Cyclop-folk  Ulysses  look  upon  : 

Of  Pyrrhus's  land  why  tell,  or  of  Idomeneus,  that  won 

To  ruined  house  ;  of  Locrian  men  cast  on  the  Libyan  shore  ? 

Mycenae's  lord,  the  duke  and  king  of  all  the  Argive  war, 

There,  on  the  threshold  of  his  house,  his  wicked  wife  doth  slay. 


BOOK  XL  285 

—  Asia  o'ercome  —  and  in  its  stead  Adultery  thwart  the  way !  — 

Ah,  the  Gods'  hate,  that  so  begrudged  my  yearning  eyes  to  meet 

My  father's  hearth,  my  longed-for  wife,  and  Calydon  the  sweet!  270 

Yea,  and  e'en  now  there  followeth  me  dread  sight  of  woeful  things : 

My  lost  companions  wend  the  air  with  feather)'  beat  of  wings, 

Or  wander,  fowl  on  river-floods  :  O  woe's  me  for  their  woe  ! 

The  voices  of  their  weeping  wail  about  the  sea-cliffs  go. 

But  all  these  things  might  I  have  seen  full  surely  for  me  stored 

Since  then,  when  on  the  flesh  of  God  I  fell  with  maddened  sword, 

And  on  the  very  Venus'  hand  a  wicked  wound  I  won. 

Nay,  nay,  to  no  such  battles  more  I  pray  you  drive  me  on  ! 

No  war  for  me  with  Teucrian  men  since  Pergamus  lies  low ; 

Nor  do  I  think  or  joy  at  all  in  ills  of  long  ago.  280 

The  gifts,  that  from  your  fatherland  unto  my  throne  ye  bear, 

Turn  toward  JEneas.    We  have  stood,  time  was,  spear  meeting  spear, 

Hand  against  hand  :  trust  me,  who  tried,  how  starkly  to  the  shield 

He  riseth  up,  how  blows  the  wind  when  he  his  spear  doth  wield. 

If  two  such  other  men  had  sprung  from  that  Idaean  home, 

Then  Dardanus  with  none  to  drive  to  Inachus  had  come, 

And  seen  our  walls,  and  Greece  had  mourned  reversal  of  her  day. 

About  the  walls  of  stubborn  Troy,  whatso  we  found  of  stay, 

By  Hector's  and  Eneas'  hands  the  Greekish  victory 

Was  tarried,  and  its  feet  held  back  through  ten  years  wearing  by.         290 

Both  these  in  heart  and  weapon-skill  were  full  of  fame's  increase, 

But  this  one  godlier :  let  your  hands  meet  in  the  plighted  peace 

E'en  as  ye  may :  but  look  to  it  if  sword  to  sword  ye  bring.' 

"  Thus  have  ye  heard,  most  gracious  one,  the  answer  of  the  King, 
And  therewithal  what  thought  he  had  about  this  heavy  war." 

Scarce  had  he  said,  when  diverse  voice  of  murmuring  ran  all  o'er 
Those  troubled  mouths  of  Italy :  as  when  the  rocks  refrain 
The  rapid  streams,  and  sounds  arise  within  the  eddies'  chain, 


286  THE  ^ENEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

And  -with  the  chatter  of  the  waves  the  neighbouring  banks  are  filled. 
But  when  their  minds  were  soothed  and  all  the  wildering  voices  stilled, 
The  King  spake  first  unto  the  Gods,  then  thus  began  to  say :  301 

"  Latins,  that  ye  had  counselled  you  hereon  before  to-day 

Was  both  my  will,  and  had  been  good  :  no  time  is  this  to  fall 

To  counsel  now,  when  as  we  speak  the  foe  besets  the  wall. 

With  folk  of  God  ill  war  we  wage,  lords  of  the  Latin  town, 

With  all-unconquerable  folk ;  no  battles  wear  them  down ; 

Yea,  beaten  never  have  they  heart  to  cast  the  sword  away. 

Lay  down  the  hope  ye  had  to  gain  ^Etolian  war-array ; 

Let  each  man  be  his  proper  hope.    Lo  ye,  the  straits  are  sore. 

How  all  things  lie  about  us  now  by  ruin  all  toppled  o'er,  310 

Witness  of  this  the  eyes  of  you,  the  hands  of  you  have  won. 

No  man  I  blame,  what  valour  could  hath  verily  been  done : 

With  all  the  manhood  of  our  land  the  battle  hath  been  fought : 

But  now  what  better  way  herein  my  doubtful  mind  hath  thought 

Will  I  set  forth,  and  shortly  tell  the  rede  that  is  in  me  : 

Hearken  1  beside  the  Tuscan  stream  I  own  an  ancient  lea, 

Which,  toward  the  sunset  stretching  far,  yea  o'er  Sicanian  bounds, 

Aruncans  and  Rutulians  sow,  working  the  rough  hill  grounds 

With  draught  of  plough,  but  feeding  down  the  roughest  with  their  sheep. 

Let  all  this  land,  and  piny  place  upon  the  mountain-steep,  320 

Be  yielded  for  the  Teucrian  peace :  the  laws  let  us  declare 

For  plighted  troth,  and  bid  the  men  as  friends  our  realm  to  share. 

There  let  them  settle  and  build  walls,  if  thitherward  they  yearn ; 

But  if  unto  another  land  their  minds  are  set  to  turn, 

And  other  folk,  and  all  they  ask  is  from  our  shore  to  flee, 

Then  let  us  build  them  twice  ten  ships  from  oak  of  Italy, 

Or  more  if  they  have  men  thereto  :  good  store  of  ship-stuff  lies 

Hard  by  the  waves  ;  and  they  shall  show  their  number  and  their  guise ; 

But  toil  of  men,  and  brass  and  gear  we  for  their  needs  will  find. 

And  now  to  carry  these  our  words,  and  fast  the  troth-plight  bind,         330 


BOOK  XI.  287 

Send  we  an  hundred  speech-masters,  the  best  of  Latin  land, 

To  seek  them  thither,  stretching  forth  the  peace-bough  in  the  hand, 

And  bearing  gifts  ;  a  talent's  weight  of  gold  and  ivory, 

The  throne  therewith  and  welted  gown,  signs  of  my  lordship  high. 

Take  open  counsel  j  stay  the  State  so  faint  and  weary  grown." 

Then  Drances,  ever  full  of  hate,  whom  Turnus*  great  renown 

With  bitter  stings  of  envy  thwart  goaded  for  evermore ; 

Lavish  of  wealth  and  fair  of  speech,  but  cold-hand  in  the  war ; 

Held  for  no  unwise  man  of  redes,  a  make-bate  keen  enow  ; 

The  lordship  of  whose  life,  forsooth,  from  well-born  dam  did  flow,       340 

His  father  being  of  no  account  —  upriseth  now  this  man, 

And  piles  a  grievous  weight  of  words  with  all  the  wrath  he  can. 

"  A  matter  dark  to  none,  and  which  no  voice  of  mine  doth  need, 

Thou  counsellest  on,  sweet  King :  for  all  confess  in  very  deed 

They  wot  whereto  our  fortune  drives  j  but  fear  their  speech  doth  hide : 

Let  him  give  liberty  of  speech,  and  sink  his  windy  pride, 

Because  of  whose  unhappy  fate,  and  evil  life  and  will  — 

Yea,  I  will  speak,  despite  his  threats  to  smite  me  and  to  kill  — 

So  many  days  of  dukes  are  done,  and  all  the  city  lies  349 

O'erwhelmed  with  grief,  the  while  his  luck  round  camps  of  Troy  he  tries, 

Trusting  to  flight,  and  scaring  heaven  with  clashing  of  his  sword.  - 

One  gift  meseems  thou  shouldest  add,  most  gracious  king  and  lord, 

Unto  the  many  gifts  thou  bid'st  bear  to  the  Dardan  folk, 

Nor  bow  thyself  to  violence,  nor  lie  beneath  its  yoke. 

Father,  thy  daughter  nobly  wed  unto  a  glorious  son, 

And  knit  the  bonds  of  peace  thereby  in  troth-plight  never  done. 

Or  if  such  terror  and  so  great  upon  our  hearts  doth  lie, 

Let  us  adjure  the  man  himself,  and  pray  him  earnestly 

To  yield  up  this  his  proper  right  to  country  and  to  king :  — 

— O  why  into  the  jaws  of  death  wilt  thou  so  often  fling  360 

Thine  hapless  folk,  O  head  and  fount  of  all  the  Latin  ill  ? 


288  THE  ^ENEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

No  safety  is  in  war;  all  we,  for  peace  we  pray  thee  still, 

0  Turnus,  —  for  the  only  pledge  of  peace  that  may  abide. 

1  first,  whom  thou  call'st  foe  (and  nought  that  name  I  thrust  aside), 
Lo,  suppliant  to  thy  feet  I  come !     Pity  thy  people  then! 

Sink  thine  high  heart,  and,  beaten,  yield ;  surely  we  broken  men 

Have  seen  enough  of  deaths,  laid  waste  enough  of  field  and  fold. 

But  if  fame  stir  thee,  if  thine  heart  such  dauntless  valour  hold, 

If  such  a  longing  of  thy  soul  a  kingly  dowry  be, 

Dare  then,  and  trust  thee  in  thy  might,  and  breast  the  enemy.  370 

Forsooth  all  we,  that  Turnus  here  a  queenly  wife  might  gain  — 

We  common  souls  —  a  heap  unwept,  unburied,  strew  the  plain. 

And  now  for  thy  part,  if  in  thee  some  valour  hath  a  place 

Or  memory  of  the  ancient  wars,  go  look  him  in  the  face 

Who  calleth  thee  to  come  afield." 

But  Turnus'  fury  at  the  word  outbrake  in  sudden  flame. 

He  groaned,  and  from  his  inmost  soul  this  speech  of  his  outpoured : 

"  O  Drances,  when  the  battle-day  calleth  for  hand  and  sword, 

Great  words  good  store  thou  givest  still,  and  first  thou  comest  still 

When  so  the  Sires  are  called :  but  why  with  words  the  council  fill  ?      380 

Big  words  aflying  from  thee  safe,  while  yet  the  walls  hold  good 

Against  the  foe,  nor  yet  the  ditch  is  swimming  with  our  blood. 

Go,  thunder  out  thy  wonted  words  !  lay  craven  fear  on  me, 

O  Drances,  thou,  whose  hand  has  heaped  the  Teucrian  enemy 

Dead  all  about,  and  everywhere  has  glorified  the  meads 

With  war-spoil !     Thou  thyself  may'st  try  how  lively  valour  speeds ! 

'Tis  well  the  time :  forsooth  the  road  lieth  no  long  way  out 

To  find  the  foe !  on  every  side  they  hedge  the  wall  about. 

Go  we  against  them !  —  tarriest  thou  ?  and  is  thy  Mars  indeed 

A  dweller  in  the  windy  tongue  and  feet  well  learned  in  speed,  390 

The  same  to-day  as  yesterday  ? 

—  I  beaten !  who  of  right,  O  beast !  shall  brand  me  beaten  man, 

That  seeth  the  stream  of  Ilian  blood  swelling  the  Tiber's  flow, 


BOOK  XI.  289 

Who  seeth  all  Evander's  house  uprooted,  laid  alow ; 
Who  seeth  those  Arcadian  men  stripped  of  their  battle-gear  ? 
Big  Pandarus,  stout  Bitias,  found  me  no  craven  there, 
Or  all  the  thousand  whom  that  day  to  Tartarus  I  sent, 
When  I  was  hedged  by  foeman's  wall  and  mound's  beleaguerment. 
No  health  in  war?     Fool,  sing  such  song  to  that  Dardanian  head,        399 
And  thine  own  day !  cease  not  to  fright  all  things  with  mighty  dread. 
Cease  not  to  puff  up  with  thy  pride  the  poor  twice-conquered  folk, 
And  lay  upon  the  Latin  arms  the  weight  of  wordy  yoke. 
Yea,  sure  the  chiefs  of  Myrmidons  quake  at  the  Phrygian  sword, 
Tydides  and  Achilles  great,  the  Larissaean  lord ; 
And  Aufidus  the  flood  flees  back  unto  the  Hadriac  sea. 
But  now  whereas  this  guile-smith  fains  to  dread  mine  enmity, 
And  whetteth  with  a  fashioned  fear  the  bitter  point  of  strife  — 
Nay,  quake  no  more  !  for  this  mine  hand  shall  spill  no  such  a  life ; 
But  it  shall  dwell  within  thy  breast  and  have  thee  for  a  mate.  — 
Now,  Father,  unto  thee  I  turn,  and  all  thy  words  of  weight;  410 

If  every  hope  of  mending  war  thou  verily  lay'st  down  ; 
If  we  are  utterly  laid  waste,  and,  being  once  overthrown, 
Have  fallen  dead  ;  if  Fate  no  more  may  turn  her  feet  about, 
Then  pray  we  peace,  and  deedless  hands,  e'en  as  we  may,  stretch  out. 
Yet  if  of  all  our  ancient  worth  some  little  yet  abide, 
I  deem  him  excellent  of  men,  craftsmaster  of  his  tide, 
A  noble  heart,  who,  lest  his  eyes  should  see  such  things  befall, 
Hath  laid  him  down  in  death,  and  bit  the  earth's  face  once  for  all. 
And  if  we  still  have  store  of  force,  and  crop  of  youth  unlaid, 
And  many  a  town,  and  many  a  folk  of  Italy  to  aid ;  420 

And  if  across  a  sea  of  blood  the  Trojan  glory  came, 
And  they  too  died,  and  over  all  with  one  blast  and  the  same 
The  tempest  swept ;  why  shameless  thus  do  our  first  footsteps  fail  ? 
Why  quake  our  limbs,  yea  e'en  before  they  feel  the  trumpet's  gale  ? 
A  many  things  the  shifting  time,  the  long  laborious  days, 
Have  mended  oft :  a  many  men  hath  Fortune's  wavering  ways 

19 


*9o  THE  ^ENEIDS  OF  VIRGIL. 

Made  sport  of,  and  brought  back  again  to  set  on  moveless  rock. 

The  ^Etolian  and  his  Arpi  host  help  not  our  battle-shock. 

Yet  is  Messapus  ours,  and  ours  Tolumnius  fortunate, 

And  many  a  duke  and  many  a  folk ;  nor  yet  shall  tarry  late  430 

The  glory  of  our  Latin  lords  and  this  Laurentian  lea. 

Here  too  Camilla,  nobly  born  of  Volscian  stock,  shall  be, 

Leading  her  companies  of  horse  that  blossom  brass  all  o'er. 

But  if  the  Teucrians  me  alone  are  calling  to  the  war, 

And  thus  'tis  doomed,  and  I  so  much  the  common  good  withstand  — 

Well,  victory  hath  not  heretofore  so  fled  my  hated  hand 

That  I  should  falter  from  the  play  with  such  a  prize  in  sight : 

Fain  shall  I  face  him,  yea,  though  he  outgo  Achilles'  might, 

And  carry  battle-gear  as  good  of  Vulcan's  fashioning. 

For  you,  and  for  Latinus  here,  my  father  and  my  king,  440 

I,  Turnus,  second  unto  none  in  valour  of  old  years, 

Devote  my  life.    ^Eneas  calls  me  only  of  the  peers  ? 

—  O  that  he  may !  —  not  Drances  here  —  the  debt  of  death  to  pay 

If  God  be  wroth,  or  if  Fame  win,  to  bear  the  prize  away." 

But  while  amid  their  doubtful  fate  the  ball  of  speech  they  tost, 

Contending  sore,  ^Eneas  moved  his  camp  and  battle-host ; 

And  lo,  amid  the  kingly  house  there  runs  a  messenger 

Mid  tumult  huge,  who  all  the  town  to  mighty  dread  doth  stir, 

With  tidings  how  the  Teucrian  host  and  Tuscan  men  of  war 

Were  marching  from  the  Tiber  flood,  the  meadows  covering  o'er.         450 

Amazed  are  the  minds  of  men  ;  their  hearts  with  tremor  shake, 

And  anger  stirred  by  bitter  stings  is  presently  awake : 

In  haste  and  heat  they  crave  for  arms  ;  the  youth  cries  on  the  sword, 

The  Fathers  mutter  sad  and  weep  :  with  many  a  wrangling  word 

A  mighty  tumult  goeth  up,  and  toward  the  sky  doth  sweep : 

Not  otherwise  than  when  the  fowl  amid  the  thicket  deep 

Sit  down  in  hosts ;  or  when  the  swans  send  forth  their  shrilling  song 

About  Padusa's  fishy  flood,  the  noisy  pools  among. 


BOOK  XI.  291 

"  Come,  fellow-folk,"  cries  Turnus  then,  for  he  the  time  doth  seize, 

"  Call  ye  to  council  even  now,  and  sit  and  praise  the  peace,  460 

And  let  the  armed  foe  wrack  the  realm  ! " 

Nor  more  he  said  withal, 

But  turned  about  and  went  his  ways  from  that  high-builded  hall. 
Said  he  :  "  Volusus,  lead  away  the  Volscian  ranks  to  fight, 
And  Rutuli !     Messapus,  thou,  afield  with  horse  and  knight ! 
Thou,  Coras,  with  thy  brother  duke  sweep  down  the  level  mead. 
Let  some  make  breaches  good,  and  some  man  the  high  towers  with  heed, 
And  let  the  rest  bear  arms  with  me  whereso  my  bidding  sends." 

Then  straightway,  running  in  all  haste,  to  wall  the  city  wends. 

Sore  shaken  in  his  very  heart,  by  that  ill  tide  undone, 

His  council  Sire  Latinus  leaves  and  those  great  redes  begun :  470 

Blaming  himself  that  he  took  not  ^Eneas  of  free  will, 

Nor  gave  the  town  that  Dardan  lord  the  place  of  son  to  fill. 

Now  some  dig  dykes  before  the  gate,  or  carry  stones  and  stakes, 

And  bloody  token  of  the  war  the  shattering  trump  awakes. 

Mothers  and  lads,  a  motley  guard,  they  crown  the  threatened  wall, 

For  this  last  tjde  of  grief  and  care  hath  voice  to  cry  for  all. 

Moreover  to  the  temple-stead,  to  Pallas'  house  on  high, 

The  Queen  goes  forth  hedged  all  about  by  matron  company, 

And  bearing  gifts  :  next  unto  whom,  the  cause  of  all  this  woe, 

With  lovely  eyes  cast  down  to  earth,  doth  maid  Lavinia  go.  480 

They  enter,  and  with  frankincense  becloud  the  temple  o'er, 

And  cast  their  woeful  voices  forth  from  out  the  high-built  door : 

"  O  Weapon-great  Tritonian  Maid,  O  front  of  war-array, 

Break  thou  the  Phrygian  robber's  sword,  and  prone  his  body  lay 

On  this  our  earth ;  cast  him  adown  beneath  our  gates  high-reared  I " 

Now  eager  Turnus  for  the  war  his  body  did  begird : 
The  ruddy-gleaming  coat  of  mail  upon  his  breast  he  did, 


292  THE  ^ENEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

And  roughened  him  with  brazen  scales ;  with  gold  his  legs  he  hid ; 

With  brow  yet  bare,  unto  his  side  he  girt  the  sword  of  fight, 

And  all  a  glittering  golden  man  ran  down  the  castle's  height.  490 

High  leaps  his  heart,  his  hope  runs  forth  the  foeman's  host  to  face : 

As  steed,  when  broken  are  the  bonds,  fleeth  the  stabling  place, 

Set  free  at  last,  and,  having  won  the  unfenced  open  mead, 

Now  runneth  to  the  grassy  grounds  wherein  the  mare-kind  feed ; 

Or,  wont  to  water,  speedeth  him  in  well-known  stream  to  wash, 

And,  wantoning,  with  uptost  head  about  the  world  doth  dash, 

While  wave  his  mane-locks  o'er  his  neck,  and  o'er  his  shoulders  play. 

But,  leading  on  the  Volscian  host,  there  comes  across  his  way 
Camilla  now,  who  by  the  gate  leapt  from  her  steed  adown, 
And  in  likewise  her  company,  who  left  their  horses  lone,  500 

And  earthward  streamed :  therewith  the  Queen  such  words  as  this  gave 
forth: 

"  Turnus,  if  any  heart  may  trust  in  manly  might  and  worth, 

I  dare  to  promise  I  will  meet  ^Eneas'  war  array, 

And  face  the  Tyrrhene  knights  alone,  and  deal  them  battle-play. 

Let  my  hand  be  the  first  to  try  the  perils  of  the  fight, 

The  while  the  foot-men  townward  bide,  and  hold  the  walls  aright." 

Then  Turnus  answered,  with  his  eyes  fixed  on  the  awful  maid : 

"  O  glory  of  Italian  land,  how  shall  the  thanks  be  paid 

Worthy  thy  part  ?  but  since  all  this  thy  great  soul  overflies, 

To  portion  out  our  work  today  with  me  indeed  it  lies.  510 

Jineas,  as  our  spies  sent  out  and  rumour  saith  for  sure, 

The  guileful  one,  his  light-armed  horse  hath  now  sent  on  before 

To  sweep  the  lea-land,  while  himself,  high  on  the  hilly  ground, 

Across  the  desert  mountain-necks  on  for  our  walls  is  bound. 

But  I  a  snare  now  dight  for  him  in  woodland  hollow  way 

Besetting  so  the  straightened  pass  with  weaponed  war-array. 


BOOK  XI.  293 

But  bear  thy  banners  forth  afield  to  meet  the  Tyrrhene  horst, 
With  fierce  Messapus  joined  to  thee,  the  Latin  battle-force, 
Yea,  and  Tiburtus  :  thou  thyself  the  leader's  care  shall  take." 

So  saith  he,  and  with  such-like  words  unto  the  war  doth  wake  520 

Messapus  and  his  brother-lords  ;  then  'gainst  the  foemen  fares. 

There  was  a  dale  of  winding  ways,  most  meet  for  warlike  snares 

And  lurking  swords  :  with  press  of  leaves  the  mountain  bent  is  black 

That  shutteth  it  on  either  side :  thence  leads  a  scanty  track ; 

By  strait-jawed  pass  men  come  thereto,  a  very  evil  road : 

But  thereabove,  upon  the  height,  lieth  a  plain  abode, 

A  mountain-heath  scarce  known  of  men,  a  most  safe  lurking-place,. 

Whether  to  right  hand  or  to  left  the  battle  ye  will  face, 

Or  hold  the  heights,  and  roll  a  storm  of  mighty  rocks  adown. 

Thither  the  war-lord  wends  his  way  by  country  road  well  known,         530 

And  takes  the  place,  and  bideth  there  within  the  wood  accursed. . 

Meanwhile  within  the  heavenly  house  Diana  speaketh,  first 

To  Opis  of  the  holy  band,  the  maiden  fellowship, 

And  words  of  grief  most  sorrowful  Latonia's  mouth  let  slip : 

"  Unto  the  bitter-cruel  war  the  maid  Camilla  wends, 

O  maid :  and  all  for  nought  indeed  that  dearest  of  my  friends 

Is  girding  her  with  arms  of  mine." 

Nought  new-born  was  the  love 

Diana  owned,  nor  sudden-sweet  the  soul  in  her  did  move : 
When  Metabus,  by  hatred  driven,  and  his  o'erweening  pride, 
Fled  from  Privernum's  ancient  town,  his  fathers'  country-side,  540 

Companion  of  his  exile  there,  amid  the  weapon-game, 
A  babe  he  had  with  him,  whom  he  called  from  her  mother's  name 
Casmilla,  but  a  little  changed,  and  now  Camilla  grown. 
He,  bearing  her  upon  his  breast,  the  woody  ridges  lone 
Went  seeking,  while  on  every  side  the  sword-edge  was  about, 


294  THE  ^ENEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

And  all  around  were  scouring  wide  the  weaponed  Volscian  rout. 

But  big  lay  Amasenus  now  athwart  his  very  road, 

Foaming  bank-high,  such  mighty  rain  from  out  of  heaven  had  flowed. 

There,  as  he  dight  him  to  swim  o'er,  love  of  his  babe,  and  fear 

For  burden  borne  so  well-beloved,  his  footsteps  back  did  bear.  550 

At  last,  as  all  things  o'er  he  turned,  this  sudden  rede  he  took : 

The  huge  spear  that  in  mighty  hand  by  hap  the  warrior  shook, 

A  close-knit  shaft  of  seasoned  oak  with  many  a  knot  therein, 

Thereto  did  he  his  daughter  bind,  wrapped  in  the  cork-tree's  skin, 

And  to  the  middle  of  the  beam  he  tied  her  craftily ; 

Then,  shaking  it  in  mighty  hand,  thus  spoke  unto  the  sky : 

"  O  kind,  O  dweller  in  the  woods,  Latonian  Virgin  fair, 

A  father  giveth  thee  a  maid,  who  holds  thine  arms  in  air 

As  from  the  foe  she  flees  to  thee :  O  Goddess,  take  thine  own, 

That  now  upon  the  doubtful  winds  by  this  mine  arm  is  thrown  !  "         560 

He  spake,  and  from  his  drawn-back  arm  cast  forth  the  brandished  wood ; 

Sounded  the  waves ;  Camilla  flew  across  the  hurrying  flood, 

A  lorn  thing  bound  to  whistling  shaft,  and  o'er  the  river  won. 

But  Metabus,  with  all  the  band  of  chasers  pressing  on, 

Unto  the  river  gives  himself,  and  reaches  maid  and  spear, 

And,  conquering,  from  the  grassy  bank  Diana's  gift  doth  tear.- 

To  roof  and  wall  there  took  him  thence  no  city  of  the  land, 

Nay,  he  himself,  a  wild-wood  thing,  to  none  had  given  the  hand ; 

Upon  the  shepherd's  lonely  hills  his  life  thenceforth  he  led ; 

His  daughter  mid  the  forest-brake,  and  wild  deers'  thicket-stead,          570 

He  nourished  on  the  milk  that  flowed  from  herd-mare's  untamed  breast, 

And  to  the  maiden's  tender  lips  the  wild  thing's  udder  pressed ; 

Then  from  the  first  of  days  when  she  might  go  upon  her  feet, 

The  heft  of  heavy  sharpened  dart  her  hand  must  learn  to  meet, 

And  from  the  little  maiden's  back  he  hung  the  shaft  and  bow ; 

While  for  the  golden  hair-clasp  fine  and  long-drawn  mantle's  flow 

Down  from  her  head,  along  her  back,  a  tiger's  fell  there  hung. 

E'en  then  too  from  her  tender  hand  a  childish  shot  she  flung, 


BOOK  XL  295 

The  sling  with  slender  smoothened  thong  she  drave  about  her  head 

To  bring  the  crane  of  Strymon  down,  or  lay  the  white  swan  dead.        580 

Then  many  a  mother  all  about  the  Tyrrhene  towns  in  vain 

Would  wed  her  to  their  sons ;  but  she,  a  maid  without  a  stain, 

Alone  in  Dian's  happiness  the  spear  for  ever  loved, 

For  ever  loved  the  maiden  life. 

—  "  O  had  she  ne'er  been  moved 

By  such  a  war,  nor  dared  to  cross  the  Teucrian  folk  in  fight ! 
Then  had  she  been  a  maid  of  mine,  my  fellow  and  delight 
But  since  the  bitterness  of  fate  lies  round  her  life  and  me, 
Glide  down,  O  maiden,  from  the  pole,  and  find  the  Latin  lea, 
Where  now,  with  evil  tokens  toward,  sad  battle  they  awake  ; 
Take  these,  and  that  avenging  shaft  from  out  the  quiver  take,  590 

Wherewith  whoso  shall  wrong  with  wound  my  holy-bodied  may, 
Be  he  of  Troy  or  Italy,  see  thou  his  blood  doth  pay  : 
And  then  will  I  her  limbs  bewept,  unspoiled  of  any  gear, 
Wrap  in  a  hollow  cloud,  and  lay  in  kindred  sepulchre." 

She  spoke ;  the  other  slipped  adown  the  lightsome  air  of  heaven, 
With  wrapping  cloak  of  mirky  cloud  about  her  body  driven. 

But  in  meanwhile  the  Trojan  folk  the  city  draw  anigh, 

The  Tuscan  dukes  and  all  their  horse  in  many  a  company 

Well  ordered :  over  all  the  plain  neighing  the  steed  doth  fare, 

Prancing,  and  champing  on  the  bit  that  turns  him  here  and  there,       600 

And  far  and  wide  the  lea  is  rough  with  iron  harvest  now. 

And  with  the  weapons  tost  aloft  the  level  meadows  glow. 

Messapus  and  the  Latins  swift,  lo,  on  the  other  hand ; 

And  Coras  with  his  brother-lord,  and  maid  Camilla's  band, 

Against  them  in  the  field ;  and  lo,  far  back  their  arms  they  fling 

In  couching  of  the  level  spears,  and  shot-spears'  brandishing. 

All  is  afire  with  neigh  of  steeds  and  onfall  of  the  men. 

And  now,  within  a  spear-shot  come,  short  up  they  rein,  and  then 


296  THE  ^ENEIDS  OF  VIRGIL. 

They  break  out  with  a  mighty  cry,  and  spur  the  maddened  steeds  ; 

And  all  at  once  from  every  side  the  storm  of  spear-shot  speeds,  610 

As  thick  as  very  snowing  is,  and  darkens  down  the  sun. 

"And  thereon  with  their  levelled  spears  each  against  each  they  run, 
Tyrrhenus  and  Aconteus  fierce :  in  forefront  of  the  fight 
They  meet  and  crash  with  thundering  sound ;  wracked  are  the  steeds  out- 
right, 

Breast  beating  in  each  breast  of  them :  far  is  Aconteus  flung 
In  manner  of  the  lightning  bolt,  or  stone  from  engine  slung; 
Far  off  he  falls,  and  on  the  air  pours  all  his  life-breath  out. 

Then  wildered  is  the  war  array ;  the  Latins  wheel  about 

And  sling  their  targets  all  aback,  and  townward  turn  their  steeds. 

The  Trojans  follow ;  first  of  whom  the  ranks  Asylas  leads.  620 

But  when  they  draw  anigh  the  gates  once  more  the  Latin  men 

Raise  up  the  cry,  and  turn  about  the  limber  necks  again  ; 

Then  flee  their  foes,  and  far  afield  with  loosened  reins  they  ride ; 

As  when  the  sea-flood  setting  on  with  flowing,  ebbing  tide, 

Now  earthward  rolling,  overlays  the  rocks  with  foaming  sea, 

And  with  its  bosom  overwhelms  the  sand's  extremity, 

Now  swiftly  fleeing  back  again,  sucks  back  into  its  deep 

The  rolling  stones,  and  leaves  the  shore  with  softly-gliding  sweep. 

Twice  did  the  Tuscans  townward  drive  the  host  of  Rutuli ; 

Twice,  looking  o'er  their  shielded  backs,  afield  they  needs  must  fly ;    630 

But  when  they  joined  the  battle  thrice  knit  up  was  all  array 

In  one  great  knot,  and  man  sought  man  wherewith  to  play  the  play. 

Then  verily  the  dying  groans  up  to  the  heavens  went ; 

Bodies  and  arms  lie  deep  in  blood,  and  with  the  men-folk  blent, 

The  dying  horses  wallow  there,  and  fearful  fight  arose. 

Orsilochus  with  Remulus  had  scant  the  heart  to  close, 

But  hurled  his  shaft  against  the  horse,  and  smote  him  'neath  the  ear ; 


BOOK  XI.  297 

The  smitten  beast  bears  not  the  wound,  but,  maddened,  high  doth  rear 

The  legs  of  him  and  breast  aloft :  his  master  flung  away, 

Rolls  on  the  earth :  Catillus  there  doth  swift  lolas  slay ;  640 

Yea,  and  Herminius,  big  of  soul,  and  big  of  limbs  and  gear, 

Who  went  with  head  by  nothing  helmed  save  locks  of  yellow  hair, 

Who  went  with  shoulders  all  unarmed,  as  one  without  a  dread, 

So  open  unto  fight  was  he ;  but  through  his  shoulders  sped 

The  quivering  spear,  and  knit  him  up  twi-folded  in  his  pain. 

So  black  blood  floweth  everywhere ;  men  deal  out  iron  bane, 

And,  struggling,  seek  out  lovely  death  amid  the  wounds  and  woe. 

But  through  the  middle  of  the  wrack  doth  glad  Camilla  go, 

The  quivered  war-maid,  all  one  side  stripped  naked  for  the  play ; 

And  now  a  cloud  of  limber  shafts  she  scattereth  wide  away,  650 

And  now  with  all  unwearied  hand  catcheth  the  twi-bill  strong. 

The  golden  bow  is  at  her  back,  and  Dian's  arrow-song. 

Yea,  e'en  and  if  she  yielded  whiles,  and  showed  her  back  in  flight, 

From  back-turned  bow  the  hurrying  shaft  she  yet  would  aim  aright. 

About  her  were  her  chosen  maids,  daughters  of  Italy, 

Larina,  Tulla,  and  Tarpeia,  with  brazen  axe  on  high, 

Whom  that  divine  Camilla  chose  for  joy  and  fame's  increase, 

Full  sweet  and  goodly  handmaidens  in  battle  and  in  peace : 

E'en  as  the  Thracian  Amazons  thresh  through  Thermodon's  flood, 

When  they  in  painted  war-gear  wend  to  battle  and  to  blood :  660 

Or  those  about  Hippolyta,  or  round  the  wain  of  Mars 

Wherein  Panthesilea  wends,  when  hubbub  of  the  wars 

The  maiden-folk  exulting  raise,  and  moony  shields  uprear. 

Whom  first,  whom  last,  O  bitter  Maid,  didst  thou  o'erthrow  with  spear  ? 

How  many  bodies  of  the  slain  laidst  thou  upon  the  field  ? 

Eunaeus,  Clytius'  son,  was  first,  whose  breast  for  lack  of  shield 

The  fir-tree  long  smit  through  and  through,  as  there  he  stood  in  face ; 

He  poureth  forth  a  sea  of  blood,  and,  falling  in  his  place, 


298  THE  yENEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

Bites  the  red  earth,  and  dying  writhes  about  the  bitter  bane. 

Liris  and  Pagasus  she  slays ;  one,  catching  at  the  rein  670 

Of  his  embowelled  steed  rolls  o'er,  the  other  as  he  ran 

To  aid,  and  stretched  his  swordless  hand  unto  the  fallen  man, 

Fell  headlong  too,  and  there  they  lie :  with  these  Amastus  wends, 

The  son  of  Hippotas ;  her  spear  in  chase  of  men  she  sends, 

Harpalycus,  Demophoon,  Tereus,  and  Chromis  stout. 

As  many  as  her  maiden  hand  the  whirling  darts  send  out 

So  many  Phrygian  falls  there  are.     Far  off,  in  uncouth  gear, 

The  hunter  Ornytus  upon  Apulian  steed  doth  fare, 

Whose  warring  shoulders  bigly  wrought  with  stripped-off  bullock's  hide 

Are  covered ;  but  his  head  is  helmed  with  wood-wolf's  gaping  wide,    680 

A  monstrous  mouth,  wherein  are  left  the  teeth  all  gleaming  white : 

A  wood-spear  arms  the  hand  of  him,  he  wheels  amid  the  fight, 

And  by  the  head  he  overtops  all  other  men  about. 

Him  she  o'ertakes,  no  troublous  deed  amid  the  fleeing  rout, 

And,  slaying  him,  from  bitter  heart  this  word  withal  she  spake : 

"  Tuscan,  thou  deem'dst  thee  hunting  still  the  deer  amid  the  brake ; 
The  day  has  come  when  women's  arms  have  cast  thy  boasting  back : 
Yet  going  to  thy  fathers'  ghosts  a  word  thou  shalt  not  lack 
To  praise  thy  life ;  for  thou  mayst  say,  Camilla  was  my  bane." 

Orsilochus  and  Butes  next,  two  huge-wrought  Trojans,  gain  69 c 

Death  at  her  hands :  Butes  aback  she  smit  through  with  the  spear 
Betwixt  the  mail-coat  and  the  helm,  wherethrough  the  neck  doth  peer 
As  there  he  sits,  and  on  his  left  hangs  down  the  target  round ; 
But  from  Orsilochus  she  flees,  wide  circling  o'er  the  ground, 
Then,  slipping  inward  of  the  ring,  chaseth  the  chaser  there. 
And,  rising  high,  her  mighty  axe  driveth  through  bones  and  gear. 
With  blow  on  blow,  mid  all  his  prayers  and  crying  out  for  grace, 
Until  his  hot  and  bloody  brain  is  flooding  all  his  face. 


BOOK   XL  299 

A  man  haps  on  her  now,  and  stands  afeard  such  sight  to  see , 

Of  Aunus  of  the  Apennines  the  warring  son  was  he,  700 

Great  of  Ligurians,  while  the  Fates  his  guile  would  yet  allow  • 

But  he,  since  fleeing  out  of  fight,  would  nought  avail  him  now, 

Nor  knew  he  how  in  any  wise  to  turn  the  Queen  away, 

With  rede  of  guile  and  cunning  words  began  to  play  the  play : 

"What  deed  of  fame,  for  woman's  heart  to  trust  a  horse's  might? 
Wilt  thou  not  set  thy  speed  aside  and  'gainst  me  dare  the  fight 
On  equal  ground,  and  gird  thyself  for  foot-fight  face  to  face  ? 
See  then  to  whom  the  windy  fame  shall  bring  the  victory's  grace  ! " 

He  spake ;  but  she,  in  bitter  rage,  and  stung  to  her  heart's  root, 
Unto  her  fellow  gave  her  steed  and  faced  him  there  afoot,  710 

Most  unafeared,  with  naked  glaive  and  target  bare  and  white. 
Thereat  the  youth  deemed  guile  had  won,  and  turned  at  once  to  flight ; 
Nought  tarrying  but  to  turn  the  reins,  he  fleeth  on  his  road, 
And  ever  with  his  iron  heel  the  four-foot  thing  doth  goad. 

"  Empty  Ligurian,  all 'in  vain  thine  high  heart  dost  thou  raise, 
And  all  in  vain  thou  triest  to-day  thy  father's  crafty  ways. 
Nor  shall  thy  lying  bring  thee  safe  to  lying  Annus'  head." 

So  spake  the  maid,  and  all  afire  on  flying  feet  she  sped, 

Outwent  the  horse  and  crossed  his  road,  and  catching  at  the  rein, 

There  made  her  foeman  pay  for  all  with  bloody  steel-wrought  bane,     720 

As  easily  the  holy  hawk  from  craggy  place  on  high 

In  winged  chase  follows  on  the  dove  aloft  along  the  sky, 

And  taketh  her  in  hooked  hold  with  bitter  feet  to  tear, 

While  blood  and  riven  feathers  fall  from  out  the  upper  air 

Nathless  the  Sower  of  manfolk  and  all  the  Godly  Kind, 
Upon  Olympus  set  aloft,  to  this  was  nothing  blind, 


300  THE  ^ENEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

And  Tarchon  of  the  Tyrrhene  folk  he  stirreth  up  to  war, 

And  stingeth  all  the  heart  of  him  with  anger  bitter-sore ; 

Who,  borne  on  horse  'twixt  death  of  men  and  faltering  war-array, 

Goads  on  his  bands  unto  the  fight,  and  many  a  word  doth  say,  730 

And  calleth  each  man  by  his  name,  and  bids  the  beaten  stand  : 

"  What  fear,  O  hearts  that  nought  may  shame,  O  folk  of  deedless  hand, 

What  dastardy,  O  Tyrrhene  folk,  hath  now  so  caught  your  souls  ? 

A  woman  drives  us  scattering  wide,  and  back  our  war-wall  rolls. 

Why  bear  our  hands  these  useless  spears,  this  steel  not  made  for  fight  ? 

Ye  are  not  slack  in  Venus'  play  or  battle  of  the  night, 

Or  when  the  crooked  fife  gives  sign  that  Bacchus'  dance  is  toward 

Well  wait  ye  onset  of  the  feast  and  cups  of  plenteous  board  : 

Your  love,  your  hearts,  are  there,  whereas  the  lucky  priest  doth  bid 

The  holy  words,  and  victims  fat  call  to  the  thickets  hid."  740 

He  spake,  and,  fain  of  death  himself,  against  the  foemen  spurs, 

And  full  in  face  of  Venulus  his  eager  body  bears, 

And  catcheth  him  by  arm  about,  and  tears  him  from  his  horse, 

And  bears  him  off  on  saddle-bow  in  grip  of  mighty  force  : 

Then  goes  the  clamour  up  to  heaven,  and  all  the  Latin  eyes 

Turn  thitherward  :  but  fiery-swift  across  the  field  he  flies, 

Bearing  the  weapons  and  the  man  ;  then  from  his  foeman's  spear 

Breaks  off  the  head,  and  searches  close  for  opening  here  and  there 

Whereby  to  give  the  deadly  wound  :  the  foe  doth  ever  fight,  749 

Thrusting  the  hand  from  threatened  throat,  and  puts  back  might  with  might. 

As  when  a  yellow  erne  aloft  skyward  a  dragon  draws, 

And  knits  him  up  within  her  feet  and  gripping  of  her  claws  : 

But  still  the  wounded  serpent  turns  in  many  a  winding  fold, 

And  bristles  all  his  spiky  scales,  and  hissing  mouth  doth  hold 

Aloft  against  her ;  she  no  less  through  all  his  struggles  vain 

Drives  hooked  beak,  and  still  with  wings  beats  through  the  airy  plain ; 

E'en  so  from  those  Tiburtine  ranks  glad  Tarchon  bears  the  prey : 


BOOK  XI.  301 

And,  following  on  their  captain's  deed,  fall  on  amid  the  fray 
Maeonia's  sons. 

But  Arruns  now,  the  foredoomed  man  of  fate, 

Encompassing  Camilla's  ways  with  spear  and  guile,  doth  wait  760 

On  all  her  goings ;  spying  out  what  hap  is  easiest. 
Now,  wheresoe'er  the  hot-heart  maid  amid  the  battle  pressed, 
There  Arruns  winds,  and  silently  holds  watch  on  all  her  ways  : 
And  when  from  forth  the  foe  she  comes,  bearing  the  victory's  praise, 
Still  speedily  in  privy  wise  the  rein  he  turns  about : 
This  way  he  tries,  that  way  he  tries,  still  wandering  in  and  out 
On  all  sides ;  shaking  spear  of  doom  with  evil  heart  of  guile. 

Now  Chloreus,  bond  of  Cybele  and  priest  upon  a  while, 

Afar  as  happed  in  Phrygian  gear  gleamed  out  upon  his  steed, 

Foaming  and  goodly:  clad  was  he  in  skin- wrought  battle- weed,  770 

With  brazen  scales  done  feather-wise,  and  riveted  with  gold, 

And  grand  was  he  in  outland  red  and  many  a  purple  fold  ; 

Gortynian  arrows  from  afar  with  Lycian  horn  he  sped ; 

Gold  rang  the  bow  upon  his  back ;  gold-mitred  was  his  head 

In  priestly  wise ;  his  saffron  scarf,  the  crackling  folds  of  it 

Of  linen  fine,  in  knot  about  a  red-gold  buckle  knit ; 

His  kirtle  was  embroidered  fair,  his  hosen  outland-wrought. 

The  maiden,  whether  Trojan  gear  for  temple-gate  she  sought, 

Or  whether  she  herself  would  wend,  glorious  in  war-got  gold, 

Amidst  of  all  the  press  of  arms  this  man  in  chase  must  hold  780 

Blind  as  a  hunter  ;  all  unware  amidst  the  war-array 

She  burned  with  all  a  woman's  lust  for  spoil  of  men  and  prey : 

When  now,  the  time  at  last  being  seized,  from  out  its  lurking-place 

Arruns  drew  forth  his  spear,  and  prayed  the  Gods  above  for  grace : 

"  Highest  of  Gods,  Apollo,  ward  of  dear  Soracte's  stead, 
Whom  we  first  honour,  unto  whom  the  piny  blaze  is  fed  ; 
Whom  worshipping,  we,  waxen  strong  in  might  of  godliness, 


3o2  THE  ^ENEIDS  OF  VIRGIL. 

The  very  midmost  of  the  fire  with  eager  foot-soles  press  — 

Almighty  Father,  give  me  grace  to  do  away  our  shame ! 

No  battle-gear,  no  trophies  won  from  vanquished  maid  I  claim,  790 

No  spoils  I  seek  ;  my  other  deeds  shall  bring  me  praise  of  folk  ; 

Let  but  this  dreadful  pest  of  men  but  fall  beneath  my  stroke, 

And  me  wend  back  without  renown  unto  my  father's  place !  " 

Apollo  heard,  and  half  the  prayer  he  turned  his  heart  to  grace, 
The  other  half  he  flung  away  adown  the  wind  to  go. 
That  he  by  sudden  stroke  of  death  should  lay  Camilla  low,  — 
He  granted  this  :  that  his  high  house  should  see  his  safe  return, 
He  granted  not :  the  hurrying  gusts  that  word  to  breezes  turn. 

So  when  the  shaft  hurled  from  his  hand  gave  sound  upon  the  air, 

All  Volscians  turn  their  hardy  hearts,  and  all  men's  eyen  bear  800 

Upon  the  Queen  :  but  she  no  whit  had  any  breeze  in  mind, 

Or  whistle  of  the  spear  that  sped  from  out  the  house  of  wind, 

Until  the  hurrying  shaft  beneath  her  naked  bosom  stood, 

And  clung  there,  deeply  driven  home,  drinking  her  virgin  blood. 

Her  frighted  damsels  run  to  her  and  catch  the  falling  maid, 

But  Arruns  fleeth  fast,  forsooth  more  than  all  they  afraid  — 

Afraid  and  glad  —  nor  durst  he  more  to  trust  him  to  the  spear, 

Or  'neath  the  hail  of  maiden  darts  his  body  forth  to  bear. 

And  as  the  murder-wolf,  ere  yet  the  avenging  spear-points  bite, 

Straight  hideth  him  in  pathless  place  amid  the  mountain-height,  810 

When  he  hath  slain  some  shepherd-lad  or  bullock  of  the  fold  ; 

Down  goes  his  tail,  when  once  he  knows  his  deed  so  overbold, 

Along  his  belly  close  it  clings  as  he  the  woodland  seeks. 

Not  otherwise  from  sight  of  men  the  wildered  Arruns  sneaks, 

And  mingles  in  the  middle  fight,  glad  to  be  clear  away. 

Death-smitten,  at  the  spear  she  plucks  ;  amidst  her  bones  it  lay, 
About  the  ribs,  that  iron  point  in  baneful  wound  and  deep  : 


BOOK  XI.  303 

She  droopeth  bloodless,  droop  her  eyes  acold  in  deadly  sleep  ; 

From  out  her  cheeks  the  colour  flees  that  once  therewith  were  clear. 

Then,  passing,  Acca  she  bespeaks,  her  very  maiden  peer,  820 

Her  who  alone  of  all  the  rest  might  share  Camilla's  rede, 

A  trusted  friend  :  such  words  to  her  the  dying  mouth  doth  speed : 

"  Sister,  thus  far  my  might  hath  gone  j  but  now  this  bitter  wound 
Maketh  an  end,  and  misty  dark  are  grown  all  things  around : 
Fly  forth,  and  unto  Turnus  bear  my  very  latest  words ; 
Let  him  to  fight,  and  from  the  town  thrust  off  the  Trojan  swords  — 
Farewell,  farewell ! "  — 

And  with  the  word  the  bridle  failed  her  hold, 
And  unto  earth  unwilling  now  she  flowed,  and  waxen  cold 
Slowly  she  slipped  her  body's  bonds ;  her  languid  neck  she  bent, 
Laid  down  the  head  that  death  had  seized,  and  left  her  armament ;      830 
And  with  a  groan  her  life  flew  forth  disdainful  into  night. 

Then  rose  the  cry  and  smote  aloft  the  starry  golden  height, 
And  with  the  Queen  so  felled  to  field  the  fight  grew  young  again, 
And  thronged  and  serried  falleth  on  the  Teucrian  might  and  main, 
The  Tuscan  Dukes,  Evander's  host,  the  wings  of  Arcady. 

But  Opis,  Dian's  watch  of  war,  set  on  the  mountain  high, 

A  long  while  now  all  unafeard  had  eyed  the  battle  o'er, 

And  when  far  off,  amid  the  cries  of  maddened  men  of  war, 

She  saw  Camilla  win  the  death  by  bitter  ill  award,  839 

She  groaned,  and  from  her  inmost  heart  such  words  as  these  she  poured  ; 

"  Alas,  O  maid,  thou  payest  it  o'ermuch  and  bitterly, 

That  thou  unto  the  Teucrian  folk  the  challenge  needs  must  cry. 

Ah,  nothing  it  availed  thee,  maid,  through  deserts  of  the  deer 

To  worship  Dian,  or  our  shafts  upon  thy  back  to  bear. 

And  yet  the  Queen  hath  left  thee  not  alone  amidst  of  shame 

In  grip  of  death  ;  nor  shalt  thou  die  a  death  without  a  name 


3o4  THE  ^ENEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

In  people's  ears  ;  nor  yet  as  one  all  unavenged  be  told : 
For  whosoever  wronged  thy  flesh  with  wounding  overbold 
Shall  pay  the  penalty  well  earned." 

Now  'neath  the  mountains  high, 

All  clad  with  shady  holm-oaks  o'er,  a  mighty  mound  doth  lie,  850 

The  tomb  of  King  Dercennus  called,  Laurentum's  lord  of  yore  ; 
And  thitherward  her  speedy  feet  that  loveliest  Goddess  bore, 
And  there  abiding,  Arruns  spied  from  off  the  high-heaped  mound. 
But  when  the  wretch  in  gleaming  arms  puffed  up  with  pride  she  found, 
"  Why,"  quoth  she,  "  dost  thou  turn  away  ?     Here,  hither  wend  thy  feet ; 
Come  here  and  perish ;  take  reward  for  slain  Camilla  meet ! 
But  ah,  for  death  of  such  an  one  is  Dian's  arrow  due  ?  " 

Then  from  the  Thracian  quiver  gilt  a  winged  shaft  she  drew, 

And  bent  the  horn-wrought  bow  withal  with  heart  on  slaying  set : 

Far  drew  she,  till  the  curving  horns  each  with  the  other  met :  860 

Alike  she  strained  her  hands  to  shoot;  the  left  hand  felt  the  steel, 

The  right  that  drew  the  string  aback  her  very  breast  did  feel. 

Then  straightway  Arruns  heard  in  one  the  bow-string  how  it  rung, 

And  whistle  of  the  wind ;  and  there  the  shaft  within  him  clung : 

His  fellows  leave  him  dying  there  and  groaning  out  his  last, 

Forgotten  in  an  unknown  field,  amid  the  sand  downcast ; 

While  to  Olympus  on  the  wing  straightway  is  Opis  borne. 

But  now  first  flees  Camilla's  band,  their  Queen  and  mistress  lorn, 

And  flee  the  beaten  Rutuli,  and  fierce  Atinas  flees  ; 

The  Dukes  of  men  in  disarray,  the  broken  companies  870 

Now  turn  their  faces  to  the  town,  and  seek  a  sheltering  place, 

Nor  yet  may  any  turn  with  spear  upon  the  Teucrian  chase, 

That  beareth  death  of  men  in  hand,  or  bar  the  homeward  road : 

Cast  back  on  fainting  shoulders  now  the  loose  bow  hangs  a  load  ; 

The  homy  hoofs  of  four-foot  things  shake  down  the  dusty  mead, 

The  mirky  cloud  of  rolling  dust  doth  ever  townward  speed ; 


BOOK  XL  305 

And  mothers  beating  of  their  breasts  stand  on  the  watch-towers  high, 

And  cast  abroad  their  woman's  wail  up  to  the  starry  sky. 

But  they  who  in  their  fleeing  first  break  through  the  open  doors, 

In  mingled  tumult  on  their  backs  a  crowd  of  foemen  pours ;  880 

Nor  do  they  'scape  a  wretched  death :  there,  on  the  threshold-stead, 

Within  their  fathers'  walls,  amidst  the  peace  of  home,  they  shed 

The  lives  from  out  their  bodies  pierced  :  then  some  men  shut  the  gate, 

Nor  durst  they  open  to  their  friends,  or  take  in  them  that  wait 

Praying  without ;  and  there  indeed  is  woeful  slaughter  towards 

Of  them  that  fence  the  wall  with  swords,  and  rushers  on  the  swords. 

Those  shut  out  'neath  the  very  eyes  of  weeping  kith  and  kin, 

Some  headlong  down  the  ditches  roll,  by  fleeing  rout  thrust  in  ; 

Some  blindly  and  with  loosened  rein  spur  on  their  steeds  to  meet 

As  battering-rams  the  very  gates,  the  ruthless  door-leaves  beat.  890 

And  now,  in  agony  of  fight,  the  mothers  on  the  walls, 

E'en  as  they  saw  Camilla  do  (so  love  of  country  calls), 

With  hurrying  hands  the  javelins  cast,  and  in  the  iron's  stead 

Make  shift  of  hardened  pale  of  oak  and  stake  with  half-burned  head. 

Hot-heart  they  are,  afire  to  die  the  first  their  town  to  save. 

Meanwhile  to  Turnus  in  the  woods  sweeps  in  that  cruel  wave 

Of  tidings :  trouble  measureless  doth  Acca  to  him  bring,  — 

The  wasting  of  the  Volscian  host,  Camilla's  murdering, 

The  onset  of  the  baneful  foe  with  favouring  Mars  to  aid  ; 

The  ruin  of  all  things  ;  present  fear  e'en  on  the  city  laid.  900 

He,  madly  wroth  (for  even  so  Jove's  dreadful  might  deemed  good), 

Leaveth  the  hills'  beleaguerment  and  mirky  rugged  wood. 

Scarce  was  he  out  of  sight  thereof,  and  nigh  his  camp  to  win, 

When  mid  the  opened  pass  and  bare  ^Eneas  entereth  in, 

Climbeth  the  ridge,  and  slippeth  through  the  thicket's  shadowy  night. 

So  either  toward  the  city  fares  with  all  their  battle-might, 
And  no  long  space  of  way  indeed  there  was  betwixt  the  twain, 


306  THE  ^ENEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

For  e'en  so  soon  as  far  away  ^Eneas  saw  the  plain 

Through  dusty  reek,  and  saw  withal  Laurentum's  host  afar, 

Turnus  the  fierce  ^Eneas  knew  in  all  array  of  war,  910 

And  heard  the  marching  footmen  tramp,  and  coming  horses  neigh. 

Then  had  they  fallen  to  fight  forthwith  and  tried  the  battle-play, 

But  rosy  Phoebus  sank  adown  amidst  Iberian  flood 

His  weary  steeds,  and  brought  back  Night  upon  the  failing  day. 

So  there  they  pitch  before  the  town  and  make  their  ramparts  good. 


BOOK    XII. 

ARGUMENT. 

HEREIN  ARE  AENEAS  AND  TURNUS   PLEDGED  TO   FIGHT   THE   MATTER    OUT 

IN  SINGLE  COMBAT;  BUT  THE  LATINS  BREAK  THE  PEACE  AND  AENEAS 
is  WOUNDED:  IN  THE  END  AENEAS   MEETETH  TURNUS   INDEED,  AND 

SLAYETH   HIM. 


Turnus  sees  the  Latin  men  all  failing  from  the  sword, 
Broken  by  Mars,  and  that  all  folk  bethink  them  of  his  word, 
And  fall  to  mark  him  with  their  eyes,  then  fell  he  burns  indeed, 
And  raises  up  his  heart  aloft ;  e'en  as  in  Punic  mead 
The  smitten  lion,  hurt  in  breast  by  steel  from  hunters'  ring, 
Setteth  the  battle  in  array,  and  joyfully  doth  fling 
The  mane  from  off  his  brawny  neck,  and  fearless  of  his  mood 
Breaks  off  the  clinging  robber-spear,  and  roars  from  mouth  of  blood ; 
E'en  so  o'er  Turnus'  fiery  heart  the  tide  of  fury  wins, 
And  thus  he  speaketh  to  the  King,  and  hasty  speech  begins :  10 

"  No  hanging  back  in  Turnus  is,  and  no  yEnean  thrall 

Hath  aught  to  do  to  break  his  word  or  plighted  troth  recall : 

1  will  go  meet  him  :  Father,  bring  the  Gods,  the  peace-troth  plight ; 

Then  either  I  this  Dardan  thing  will  send  adown  to  night,  — 

This  rag  of  Asia,  —  Latin  men  a-looking  on  the  play, 

And  all  alone  the  people's  guilt  my  sword  shall  wipe  away ; 

Or  let  him  take  us  beaten  folk,  and  wed  Lavinia  then ! " 

But  unto  him  from  quiet  soul  Latinus  spake  again  : 

"  Great-hearted  youth,  by  e'en  so  much  as  thou  in  valorous  might 


3o8  THE  ^ENEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

Dost  more  excel,  by  so  much  I  must  counsel  me  aright,  20 

And  hang  all  haps  that  may  betide  in  those  sad  scales  of  mine. 

Thine  are  thy  father  Daunus'  realms,  a  many  towns  are  thine, 

Won  by  thine  hand :  Latinus  too  his  gold  and  goodwill  yields ; 

But  other  high-born  maids  unwed  dwell  in  Laurentine  fields 

Or  Latin  land,  —  nay,  suffer  me  to  set  all  guile  apart, 

And  say  a  hard  thing  —  do  thou  take  this  also  to  thine  heart : 

To  none  of  all  her  wooers  of  old  my  daughter  may  I  wed ; 

This  warning  word  of  prophecy  all  men  and  Gods  have  sped. 

But  by  thy  kindred  blood  o'ercome,  and  by  the  love  of  thee, 

And  by  my  sad  wife's  tears,  I  broke  all  bonds  and  set  me  free.  30 

From  son-in-law  I  rapt  his  bride,  I  drew  a  godless  sword. 

What  mishaps  and  what  wrack  of  peace  have  been  my  due  reward 

Thou  seest,  Turnus,  and  what  grief  I  was  the  first  to  bear. 

Twice  beaten  in  a  woeful  fight,  scarce  is  our  city  here 

Held  by  the  hope  of  Italy :  still  Tiber-flood  rolls  by, 

Warm  with  our  blood,  and  'neath  our  bones  wide  meadows  whitening  lie. 

But  whither  waver  I  so  oft  ?  what  folly  shifts  my  mind? 

If  I  am  ready,  Turnus  dead,  peace  with  these  men  to  bind, 

Shall  I  not  rather  while  thou  liv'st  cast  all  the  war  away? 

What  shall  my  kindred  Rutuli,  what  shall  Italia  say,  40 

If  I  deliver  thee  to  death,  (Fate  thrust  the  words  aside !) 

Thee,  who  hast  wooed  me  for  thy  sire,  my  daughter  for  thy  bride  ? 

Look  on  the  wavering  hap  of  war,  pity  thy  father's  eld, 

Now  far  from  thee  in  sorrow  sore  by  ancient  Ardea  held." 

But  not  a  whit  might  all  these  words  the  wrath  of  Turnus  bend. 

Nay,  worser  waxed  he,  sickening  more  by  medicine  meant  to  mend : 

And  e'en  so  soon  as  he  might  speak,  such  words  were  in  his  mouth : 

"  Thy  trouble  for  my  sake,  best  lord,  e'en  for  my  sake  forsooth, 

Lay  down,  I  prithee ;  let  me  buy  a  little  praise  with  death. 

I  too,  O  father,  sow  the  spear,  nor  weak  hand  scattered!  50 

The  iron  seed,  with  me  afield :  the  blood-springs  know  my  stroke. 


BOOK  XII.  309 

Nor  here  shall  be  his  Goddess-dame  with  woman's  cloud  to  cloak 
A  craven  king,  and  hide  herself  in  empty  mirky  shade." 

But  now  the  Queen,  by  this  new  chance  of  battle  sore  afraid, 

Fell  weeping,  as  her  fiery  son  she  held  with  dying  eyes : 

"  O  Turnus,  by  these  tears,  by  what  of  worship  for  me  lies 

Anigh  thy  heart ;  O,  only  hope  of  this  my  latter  tide, 

Sole  rest  from  sorrow !  thou,  in  whom  all  worship  doth  abide, 

All  glory  of  the  Latin  name,  our  falling  house-wall  stay  ! 

Set  not  thine  hand  to  Teucrian  war ;  this  thing  alone  I  pray.  60 

Whatever  lot  abideth  thee,  O  Turnus,  mid  the  fight, 

Abideth  me,  and  I  with  thee  will  leave  the  loathed  light ; 

Nor  will  I,  made  ^Eneas'  thrall,  behold  him  made  my  son." 

Lavinia  heard  her  mother's  words  with  burning  cheeks,  whereon 

Lay  rain  of  tears,  for  thereunto  exceeding  ruddy  flush 

Had  brought  the  fire  that  now  along  her  litten  face  did  rush : 

As  when  the  Indian  ivory  they  wrong  with  blood-red  dye, 

Or  when  mid  many  lilies  white  the  ruddy  roses  lie, 

E'en  such  a  mingled  colour  showed  upon  the  maiden's  face. 

Sore  stirred  by  love  upon  the  maid  he  fixed  his  constant  gaze,  70 

And,  all  the  more  afire  for  fight,  thus  to  Amata  said : 

"  I  prithee,  mother,  with  these  tears,  such  sign  of  coming  dread, 

Dog  not  my  feet  as  forth  I  wend  to  Mayors'  bitter  play ; 

For  Turnus  is  not  free  to  thrust  the  hour  of  death  away. 

Go,  Idmon,  bear  the  Phrygian  lord  these  very  words  of  mine, 

Nought  for  his  pleasure :  When  the  dawn  to-morrow  first  shall  shine, 

And  from  her  purple  wheels  aloft  shall  redden  all  the  sky, 

Lead  not  thy  Teucrians  to  the  fight :  Teucrians  and  Rutuli 

Shall  let  their  swords  be ;  and  we  twain,  our  blood  shall  quench  the  strife, 

And  we  upon  that  field  shall  woo  Lavinia  for  a  wife."  80 


3io  THE  ^ENEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

He  spake,  and  to  the  roofed  place  now  swiftly  wending  home, 

Called  for  his  steeds,  and  merrily  stood  there  before  their  foam, 

E'en  those  that  Orithyia  gave  Pilumnus,  gift  most  fair, 

Whose  whiteness  overpassed  the  snow,  whose  speed  the  winged  air. 

The  busy  horse-boys  stand  about,  and  lay  upon  their  breasts 

The  clapping  of  their  hollow  hands,  and  comb  their  maned  crests. 

But  he  the  mail-coat  doth  on  him  well-wrought  with  golden  scale 

And  latten  white ;  he  fits  the  sword  unto  his  hand's  avail : 

His  shield  therewith,  and  horned  helm  with  ruddy  crest  o'erlaid : 

That  sword,  the  very  Might  of  Fire  for  father  Daunus  made,  90 

And  quenched  the  white-hot  edge  thereof  amidst  the  Stygian  flood. 

Then  the  strong  spear  he  took  in  hand  that  'gainst  the  pillar  stood, 

Amidmost  of  the  house :  that  spear  his  hand  won  mightily 

From  Actor  of  Auruncum  erst ;  he  shakes  the  quivering  tree 

Loud  crying :  "  Now,  O  spear  of  mine,  who  never  heretofore 

Hast  failed  my  call,  the  day  draws  on :  thee  the  huge  Actor  bore, 

Now  Turnus'  right  hand  wieldeth  thee  :  to  aid,  that  I  prevail 

To  lay  the  Phrygian  gelding  low,  and  strip  his  rended  mail 

By  might  of  hand ;  to  foul  with  dust  the  ringlets  of  his  hair,  [100 

Becrisped  with  curling-irons  hot  and  drenched  with  plenteous  myrrh ! " 

By  such  a  fury  is  he  driven  ;  from  all  his  countenance 

The  fiery  flashes  leap,  the  flames  in  his  fierce  eyeballs  dance  : 

As  when  a  bull  in  first  of  fight  raiseth  a  fearful  roar, 

And  teacheth  wrath  unto  his  horns  and  whets  them  for  the  war, 

And  'gainst  the  tree-trunks  pusheth  them,  and  thrusts  the  breezes  home, 

And  with  the  scattering  of  the  sand  preludeth  fight  to  come, 

Nor  less  ^Eneas,  terrible,  in  Venus'  armour  dight, 

Now  whetteth  war ;  and  in  his  heart  stirreth  the  wrath  of  fight, 

That  plighted  peace  shall  lay  the  war  fain  is  his  heart  and  glad ; 

His  fellows'  minds  and  bitter  fear  that  makes  lulus  sad  no 

He  solaceth  with  fate-wise  words ;  then  bids  his  folk  to  bear 


BOOK  XII.  311 

His  answer  to  the  Latin  king  and  peace-laws  to  declare. 

But  scarce  the  morrow's  dawn  of  day  had  lit  the  mountain  steeps, 

And  scarce  the  horses  of  the  Sun  drew  upward  from  the  deeps, 

And  from  their  nostrils  raised  aloft  blew  forth  the  morning  clear, 

When  Trojans  and  Rutulian  men  the  field  of  fight  prepare, 

And  measure  out  a  space  beneath  the  mighty  city's  wall. 

Midmost  the  hearths  they  hallow  there  to  common  Gods  of  all, 

And  grassy  altars  :  other  some  bear  fire,  and  fountain's  flow, 

All  linen  clad,  and  vervain  leaves  are  crowning  every  brow.  120 

Forth  comes  the  host  of  Italy,  the  men  that  wield  the  spear 

Pour  outward  from  the  crowded  gates  ;  the  Trojan  host  is  there, 

And  all  the  Tyrrhene  company  in  battle-gear  diverse, 

Nor  otherwise  in  iron  clad,  than  if  the  War-god  fierce 

Cried  on  to  arms  :  and  in  the  midst  of  war-ranks  thousandfold 

The  dukes  are  flitting,  well  beseen  in  purple  dye  and  gold, 

E'en  Mnestheus  of  Assaracus,  Asylas  huge  of  force, 

Messapus,  Neptune's  very  son,  the  tamer  of  the  horse. 

But  when  the  sign  was  given  abroad  each  to  his  own  place  won. 

And  set  his  spear-shaft  in  the  earth  and  leaned  his  shield  thereon.       130. 

Then  streamed  forth  mothers  fain  to  see  and  elders  feeble  grown  \ 

The  unarmed  crowd  beset  the  towers  and  houses  of  the  town, 

And  others  of  the  people  throng  the  high-built  gates  around. 

But  Juno  from  the  steep  that  men  now  call  the  Alban  mound 

(Though  neither  worship,  name,  nor  fame  it  bore  upon  that  day), 

Was  looking  down  upon  the  lists  and  either  war-array 

Of  Trojan  and  Laurentine  men,  and  King  Latinus'  wall, 

Then  upon  Turnus'  sister's  ear  her  words  of  God  did  fall : 

A  goddess  she,  the  queen  of  mere  and  sounding  river-wave ; 

Which  worship  Jupiter  the  King,  the  Heaven-Abider  gave  140 

A  hallowed  gift  to  pay  her  back  for  ravished  maidenhood : 


3ia  THE  ^ENEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

"  O  Nymph,  the  glory  of  the  streams,  heart  well-beloved  and  good, 

Thee  only,  as  thou  know'st,  I  love  of  all  who  e'er  have  come 

Into  the  unkind  bed  of  Jove  from  out  a  Latin  home, 

With  goodwill  have  I  granted  thee  the  heavenly  house  to  share ; 

Therefore,  Juturna,  know  thy  grief  lest  I  the  blame  should  bear : 

While  Fortune  would,  and  while  the  Fates  allowed  the  Latin  folk 

A  happy  day,  so  long  did  I  thy  town  and  Turnus  cloak  ; 

But  now  I  see  him  hastening  on  to  meet  the  fated  ill : 

His  doomsday  comes,  the  foeman's  hand  shall  soon  his  hour  fulfil.       150 

I  may  not  look  upon  the  fight,  or  see  the  wagered  field  ; 

But  thou,  if  any  present  help  thou  durst  thy  brother  yield, 

Haste,  it  behoves  thee  !  —  happier  days  on  wretches  yet  may  rise." 

Scarce  spake  she  ere  Juturna  poured  the  tear-flood  from  her  eyes, 
And  thrice  and  four  times  smote  with  hand  her  bosom  well-beseen. 
"  Nay,  this  is  now  no  weeping-time,"  saith  that  Saturnian  Queen, 
"  Haste  ;  snatch  thy  brother  from  the  death  if  all  be  not  undone, 
Or  wake  up  war  and  rend  apart  the  treaty  scarce  begun ; 
And  I  am  she  that  bids  thee  dare." 

She  urged  her,  and  she  left 
-Her  wavering  mind  and  turmoiled  heart  with  sorrow's  torment  cleft.     160 

Meantime  the  Kings  —  Latinus  there,  a  world  of  state  around, 

Is  borne  upon  the  fourfold  car,  his  gleaming  temples  bound 

With  twice  six  golden  rays,  the  sign  of  his  own  grandsire's  light, 

The  heavenly  Sun  ;  and  Turnus  wends  with  twiyoked  horses  white, 

Tossing  in  hand  two  shafts  of  war  with  broad-beat  points  of  steel. 

And  hither  father  ^Eneas,  spring  of  the  Roman  weal, 

Flaming  with  starry  shield  and  arms  wrought  in  the  heavenly  home, 

And  next  to  him  Ascanius  young,  the  second  hope  of  Rome, 

Fare  from  the  camp  :  the  priest  thereon,  in  unstained  raiment  due, 

Offereth  a  son  of  bristly  sow  and  unshorn  yearling  ewe,  170 

And  bringeth  up  the  four-foot  hosts  unto  the  flaming  place. 


BOOK  XII.  313 

But  they,  with  all  eyes  turned  about  the  rising  sun  to  face, 
Give  forth  the  salt  meal  from  the  hand,  and  with  the  iron  sign 
The  victims'  brows,  and  mid  the  flame  pour  out  the  bowls  of  wine : 
Then  good  ^Eneas  draws  his  sword,  and  thuswise  prays  the  prayer : 

"  Bear  witness,  Sun,  and  thou,  O  Land,  who  dost  my  crying  hear ! 

Land,  for  whose  sake  I  waxed  in  might,  sustaining  toils  enow ; 

And  Thou,  Almighty  Father,  hear !     Saturnian  Juno  thou, 

Grown  kinder,  Goddess,  I  beseech ;  and  thou,  most  glorious  Mars, 

Father,  whose  hand  of  utter  might  is  master  of  all  wars ;  180 

Ye  Springs,  and  River-floods  I  call,  and  whatsoever  God 

Is  in  the  air,  or  whatso  rules  the  blue  sea  with  its  rod  — 

If  to  Ausonian  Turnus  here  Fortune  shall  give  the  day, 

The  conquered  to  Evander's  town  shall  straightly  wend  their  way ; 

lulus  shall  depart  the  land,  nor  shall  ^Eneas'  folk 

Stir  war  hereafter,  or  with  sword  the  Latin  wrath  provoke. 

But  if  the  grace  of  victory  here  bow  down  upon  our  fight ; 

—  (As  I  believe,  as  may  the  Gods  make  certain  with  their  might !)  — 

I  will  not  bid  the  Italian  men  to  serve  the  Teucrian's  will ; 

Nor  for  myself  seek  I  the  realm  ;  but  all  unconquered  still  190 

Let  either  folk  with  equal  laws  plight  peace  for  evermore  : 

The  Gods  and  worship  I  will  give,  Latinus  see  to  war ; 

My  father  lawful  rule  shall  have  ;  for  me  my  Teucrians  here 

Shall  build  a  city,  and  that  home  Lavinia's  name  shall  bear." 

So  first  -^Eneas  :  after  whom  Latinus  swears  and  says, 

Looking  aloft,  and  stretching  hands  up  towards  the  starry  ways : 

"  E'en  so,  yEneas,  do  I  swear  by  Stars,  and  Sea,  and  Earth, 

By  twi-faced  Janus,  and  the  twins  Latona  brought  to  birth, 

And  by  the  nether  Might  of  God  and  shrine  of  unmoved  Dis ; 

And  may  the  Sire  who  halloweth  in  all  troth-plight  hearken  this :         200 

I  hold  the  altars,  and  these  Gods  and  fires  to  witness  take, 

That,  as  for  Italy,  no  day  the  peace  and  troth  shall  break, 


6i4  THE  ^ENEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

What  thing  soever  shall  befall ;  no  might  shall  conquer  me. 

Not  such  as  with  the  wrack  of  flood  shall  mingle  earth  and  sea, 

Nor  such  as  into  nether  Hell  shall  melt  the  heavenly  land. 

E'en  as  this  sceptre  "  —  (for  by  chance  he  bore  a  staff  in  hand)  -— 

"  Shall  never  more  to  leafage  light  and  twig  and  shadow  shoot, 

Since  when  amid  the  thicket-place,  cut  off  from  lowest  root, 

It  lost  its  mother,  and  the  knife  hath  lopped  it,  leaf  and  bough,  — 

A  tree  once,  but  the  craftsman's  hand  hath  wrapped  it  seemly  now      210 

With  brass  about,  and  made  it  meet  for  hands  of  Latin  lords." 

So  in  the  sight  of  all  the  chiefs  with  such  abundant  words 

They  bound  the  troth-plight  fast  and  sure :  then  folk  in  due  wise  slay 

The  victims  on  the  altar-flame,  and  draw  the  hearts  away 

Yet  living,  and  with  platters  full  the  holy  altars  pile. 

But  unto  those  Rutulian  men  unequal  this  long  while 

The  fight  had  seemed,  and  in  their  hearts  the  mingled  trouble  rose ; 

And  all  the  more,  as  nigher  now  they  note  the  ill-matched  foes, 

This  helpeth  Turnus'  silent  step,  and  suppliant  worshipping 

About  the  altars,  and  his  eyes  that  unto  earth  do  cling,  220 

His  faded  cheeks,  his  youthful  frame  that  wonted  colour  lacks. 

Wherefore  Juturna,  when  she  hears  the  talk  of  people  wax, 

And  how  the  wavering  hearts  of  men  in  diverse  manner  sway, 

Like  unto  Gamers  wendeth  now  amidst  of  that  array ; 

—  A  mighty  man,  from  mighty  blood,  his  father  well  renowned 

For  valorous  worth,  and  he  himself  keen  in  the  battle  found. 

So  through  the  mid  array  she  speeds,  well  knowing  what  is  toward, 

And  soweth  rumour  on  the  wind  and  speaketh  such  a  word : 

"  O  shame  ye  not,  Rutulian  men,  to  offer  up  one  soul 
For  all  your  warriors  ?  lack  we  aught  in  might  or  muster-roll  230 

To  match  them  ?    Here  is  all  they  have  —  Trojans,  Arcadian  peers, 
And  that  Etruscan  Turnus'  bane,  the  fateful  band  of  spears : 


BOOK  XII.  315 

Why,  if  we  meet,  each  second  man  shall  scantly  find  a  foe. 
And  now  their  king,  upborne  by  fame,  unto  the  Gods  shall  go, 
Upon  whose  shrines  he  vows  himself;  his  name  shall  live  in  tale. 
But  we  shall  lose  our  father-land  and  'neath  proud  lords  shall  fail, 
E'en  those  that  sit  there  heavy-slow  upon  our  fields  to-day." 

So  with  such  words  she  lit  the  hearts  of  all  that  young  array ; 

Yet  more  and  more  a  murmur  creeps  about  the  ranks  of  men ; 

Changed  even  are  Laurentine  folk  ;  changed  are  the  Latins  then ;       240 

They  who  had  hoped  that  rest  from  fight  and  peaceful  days  were  won, 

Are  now  but  fain  of  battle-gear,  and  wish  the  troth  undone, 

For  ruth  that  such  a  cruel  fate  on  Turnus'  head  should  fall. 

But  unto  these  a  greater  thing  Juturna  adds  withal, 

A  sign  from  heaven  ;  and  nought  so  much  stirred  Italy  that  day, 

As  this  whose  prodigy  beguiled  men's  hearts  to  go  astray : 

For  now  the  yellow  bird  of  Jove  amid  the  ruddy  light 

Was  chasing  of  the  river-fowl,  and  drave  in  hurried  flight 

The  noisy  throng  ;  when  suddenly  down  to  the  waves  he  ran, 

And  caught  in  greedy  hooked  claws  a  goodly-bodied  swan  :  250 

Uprose  the  hearts  of  Italy,  for  all  the  fowl  cry  out, 

And,  wonderful  for  eyes  to  see,  from  fleeing  turn  about, 

Darken  the  air  with  cloud  of  wings,  and  fall  upon  the  foe ; 

Till  he,  oppressed  by  might  of  them  and  by  his  prey  held  low, 

Gives  way,  and  casts  the  quarry  down  from  out  his  hooked  claws 

Into  the  river,  and  aback  to  inner  cloud-land  draws. 

Then  to  the  sign  the  Rutuli  shout  greeting  with  one  breath, 

And  spread  their  hands  abroad ;  but  first  the  seer  Tolumnius  saith  : 

"  This,  this  is  that,  which  still  my  prayers  sought  oft  and  o'er  again. 

I  take  the  sign,  I  know  the  God !  to  arms  with  me,  O  men  !  260 

Poor  people,  whom  the  stranger-thief  hath  terrified  with  war, 

E'en  like  these  feeble  fowl ;  who  wastes  the  acres  of  your  shore, 

Yet  shall  he  fly,  and  give  his  sails  unto  the  outer  sea  : 


3i  6  THE  JENEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

But  ye,  your  ranks  with  heart  and  mind  now  serry  manfully, 

And  ward  your  ravished  King  and  Duke  with  all  your  battle-world !  " 

He  spake,  and,  running  forth,  a  shaft  against  the  foe  he  hurled. 

Forth  whizzed  the  cornel  through  the  air,  cleaving  its  way  aright, 

And  therewithal  great  noise  outbreaks,  and  every  wedge  of  fight 

Is  turmoiled,  and  the  hearts  of  men  are  kindled  for  the  fray. 

On  sped  the  shaft  to  where  there  stood  across  its  baneful  way  270 

Nine  fair-shaped  brethren,  whom  whilom  one  faithful  Tuscan  wife 

Amid  Gylippus'  Arcad  house  brought  forth  to  light  and  life  : 

Now  one  of  these,  e'en  where  the  belt  of  knitted  stitches  wrought 

Chafed  on  the  belly,  and  the  clasp  the  joining  edges  caught, 

A  youth  most  excellent  of  frame  and  clad  in  glittering  gear  — 

It  pierced  his  ribs ;  on  yellow  sand  it  stretched  him  dying  there. 

Thereat  his  brethren,  a  fierce  folk,  with  grief  and  rage  alight, 

Some  draw  their  swords  and  some  catch  up  the  steel  of  speedy  flight, 

And  rush  on  blind :  Laurentum's  ranks,  against  them  swift  they  go, 

And  thick  the  Trojans  from  their  side  the  meadows  overflow,  280 

Agyllans  and  Arcadian  men  with  painted  war  array  ; 

And  one  lust  winneth  over  all  with  point  and  edge  to  play. 

They  strip  the  altars  ;  drifting  storm  of  weapon-shot  doth  gain 

O'er  all  the  heavens,  and  ever  grows  the  iron  battle-rain. 

The  bowls  and  hearths  they  bear  away :  Latinus  gets  him  gone, 

Bearing  aback  the  beaten  Gods  and  troth-plight  all  undone. 

But  other  men  rein  in  the  car  and  leap  upon  the  steed, 

And  there  with  naked  swords  they  sit,  all  ready  for  the  need. 

Messapus,  fain  to  rend  the  troth,  on  hostile  horse  down-bears 

Upon  Aulestes,  Tuscan  king,  who  kingly  raiment  wears :  290 

He  fled,  but  as  abackward  there  away  from  him  he  went, 

Came  on  the  altars  at  his  back  in  hapless  tanglement 

Of  head  and  shoulders :  thitherward  doth  hot  Messapus  fly 

With  spear  in  hand,  and  from  his  steed  he  smites  him  heavily 


BOOK  XII.  317 

With  the  great  beam  amid  his  prayers,  and  word  withal  doth  say : 

"  He  hath  it,  and  the  Gods  have  got  a  better  host  to-day ! " 

Therewith  to  strip  his  body  warm  up  runs  the  Italian  band ; 

But  Corynaeus  from  the  hearth  catches  a  half-burnt  brand, 

And  e'en  as  Ebusus  comes  up,  and  stroke  in  hand  doth  bear, 

He  filleth  all  his  face  with  flame ;  out  doth  his  great  beard  flare,  300 

And  sendeth  stink  of  burning  forth :  the  Trojan  followed  on 

The  wildered  man,  and  with  his  left  grip  of  his  tresses  won, 

And,  straining  hard  with  weight  of  knee,  to  earth  he  pinned  his  foe, 

And  drave  the  stark  sword  through  his  side. 

See  Podalirius  go, 

Chasing  the  shepherd  Alsus  through  the  front  of  weapon-wrack ; 
O'er  him  he  hangs  with  naked  sword ;  but  he,  with  bill  swung  back, 
Cleaveth  the  foeman  facing  him  through  midmost  brow  and  chin, 
And  all  about  his  battle-gear  the  bloody  rain  doth  win : 
Then  iron  slumber  fell  on  him,  hard  rest  weighed  down  his  eyes, 
And  shut  were  they  for  evermore  in  night  that  never  dies.  3*0 

Then  good  ^neas  stretched  forth  hands  all  empty  of  the  sword, 
And  called  bare-headed  on  his  folk,  with  eager  shouted  word : 
"  Where  rush  ye  on,  and  whither  now  doth  creeping  discord  rise  ? 
Refrain  your  wrath  ;  the  troth  is  struck ;  its  laws  in  equal  wise 
Are  doomed  ;  and  'tis  for  me  alone  the  battle  to  endure. 
Nay,  let  me  be  !  cast  fear  away ;  my  hand  shall  make  it  sure. 
This  troth-plight,  all  these  holy  things,  owe  Turnus  to  my  sword." 

But  while  his  voice  was  sounding,  lo,  amidmost  of  his  word, 

A  whistling  speedy-winged  shaft  unto  the  hero  won  ; 

Unknown  what  hand  hath  sped  it  forth,  what  whirlwind  bore  it  on ;      320 

What  God,  what  hap,  such  glory  gave  to  hands  of  Rutuli ; 

Beneath  the  weight  of  things  unknown  dead  doth  the  honour  lie, 

Nor  boasted  any  of  the  hurt  ^Eneas  had  that  day. 


3i8  THE  ^ENEIDS  OF  VIRGIL. 

But  Turnus,  when  he  saw  the  King  give  back  from  that  array, 

And  all  the  turmoil  of  the  Dukes,  with  hope  his  heart  grew  fain ; 

He  cried  for  horse  and  arms,  and  leapt  aloft  to  battle-wain, 

And  high  of  heart  set  on  apace,  the  bridle  in  his  hand ; 

And  many  a  brave  man  there  he  gave  unto  the  deadly  land, 

And  rolled  o'er  wounded  men  in  heaps,  and  high  in  car  wore  down 

The  ranks  of  men  ;  and  fleers'  spears  from  out  his  hand  were  thrown  : 

E'en  as  when  litten  up  to  war  by  Hebrus'  chilly  flood  33 1 

Red  Mavors  beateth  on  his  shield,  and  rouseth  fightful  mood 

Amid  the  fury  of  his  steeds,  who  o'er  the  level  lea 

In  uttermost  hoof-smitten  Thrace  the  south  and  west  outflee. 

And  lo,  the  fellows  of  the  God,  the  black  Fear's  bitter  face, 

The  Rage  of  men,  the  Guile  of  War  anigh  him  wend  apace : 

E'en  so  amid  the  battle-field  his  horses  Turnus  sped, 

Reeking  with  sweat :  there  tramples  he  the  woeful  heaps  of  dead, 

The  hurrying  hoofs  go  scattering  wide  a  drift  of  bloody  rain  ; 

The  gore,  all  blent  with  sandy  dust,  is  pounded  o'er  the  plain.  340 

To  death  he  caste th  Sthenelus,  Pholus,  and  Thamyris ; 

Those  twain  anigh,  but  him  afar ;  from  far  the  bane  he  is 

Of  Glaucus  and  of  Lades,  sons  of  Imbrasus,  whom  he 

In  Lycia  bred  a  while  agone,  and  armed  them  equally 

To  fight  anigh,  or  on  their  steeds  the  winds  to  overrun. 

But  otherwise  amidst  the  fight  Eumedes  fareth  on, 

The  son  of  Dolon  of  old  time,  most  well-renowned  in  fight, 

And  bringing  back  his  father's  name  in  courage  and  in  might : 

For  that  was  he  who  while  agone  the  Danaan  camp  espied, 

And  chose  Achilles'  car  for  spoil  in  his  abundant  pride ;  350 

But  otherwise  Tydides  paid  for  such  a  deed  o'erbold, 

And  no  more  had  he  any  hope  Achilles'  steeds  to  hold. 

So  Turnus,  when  adown  the  lea  this  warrior  he  had  seen, 

First  a  light  spear  he -sent  in  chase  across  the  void  between, 

Then  stayed  his  steeds,  and  leaping  down  unto  the  fallen  ran, 


BOOK  XII.  319 

And  set  his  foot  upon  the  neck  of  that  scarce-breathing  man, 

And  from  his  right  hand  wrenched  the  sword  and  bathed  its  glittering 

blade 

Deep  in  his  throat,  and  therewithal  such  spoken  chiding  said : 
"  Down,  Trojan  !  measure  out  the  mead,  and  that  Hesperean  land 
Thou  sought'st  in  war :  such  are  the  gifts  that  fall  unto  the  hand          360 
Of  those  that  dare  the  sword  with  me ;  such  city-walls  they  raise  I " 

Asbutes  wends  'neath  spear-cast  then,  a  fellow  of  his  ways ; 

Chloreus,  Dares,  Thersilochus,  and  Sybaris,  withal ; 

Thymoetes,  who  from  rearing  horse  had  hap  to  catch  a  fall ; 

And  e'en  as  wheti  the  breathing  forth  of  Thracian  Boreas  roars 

O'er  deep  JEgean,  driving  on  the  wave-press  to  the  shores, 

Then  wheresoe'er  the  wind  stoops  down  the  clouds  flee  heaven  apace  ; 

So  wheresoe'er  cleaves  Turnus  way  all  battle  giveth  place, 

All  war-array  is  turned  to  wrack  :  his  onrush  beareth  him, 

And  in  the  breeze  that  meets  his  car  his  tossing  crest  doth  swim.          370 

This  onset  of  the  maddened  heart  nought  Phegeus  might  abide, 

But  cast  himself  before  the  steeds,  and  caught  and  wrenched  aside 

The  bit-befoaming  mouths  of  them,  the  heart-stung  hurrying  steeds. 

But  while  he  hangeth  dragged  along,  the  spear  broad-headed  speeds 

Unto  his  shieldless  side,  and  rends  the  twilinked  coat  of  mail, 

And  for  the  razing  of  his  flesh  a  little  doth  avail : 

But  he  turned  round  about  his  shield  and  at  the  foeman  made, 

And  from  his  naked  sword  drawn  forth  sought  most  well-needed  aid  j 

When  now  the  axle-tree  and  wheel,  unto  fresh  speeding  won, 

Cast  him  down  headlong  unto  earth,  and  Turnus  following  on,  380 

Betwixt  the  lowest  of  the  helm  and  haubert's  upper  lip 

Sheared  off  his  head,  and  left  the  trunk  upon  the  sand  to  slip. 

But  while  victorious  Turnus  gives  these  deaths  unto  the  plain, 
Mnestheus  and  that  Achates  leal,  Ascanius  with  the  twain, 


320  THE  ^ENEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

Bring  great  ^Eneas  to  the  camp  all  covered  with  his  blood ; 

There,  propping  up  his  halting  steps  with  spearshaft  long,  he  stood : 

Mad  wroth  he  is,  and  strives  to  pluck  the  broken  reed  away, 

And  bids  them  help  by  any  road,  the  swiftest  that  they  may, 

To  cut  away  the  wound  with  sword,  cut  to  the  hiding-place 

Where  lies  the  steel,  and  send  him  back  to  meet  the  battle's  face.         390 

lapis,  son  of  lasus,  by  Phoebus  best  beloved, 

Draws  nigh  now :  Phoebus  on  a  time,  by  mighty  longing  moved, 

Was  fain  to  give  him  gifts  of  God,  his  very  heavenly  craft  — 

Foresight,  or  skill  of  harp-playing,  or  mastery  of  the  shaft : 

But  he,  that  from  his  bed-rid  sire  the  death  he  yet  might  stave, 

Would  liefer  know  the  might  of  herbs,  and  how  men  heal  and  save, 

And,  speeding  of  a  silent  craft,  inglorious  life  would  wear. 

^Eneas,  fretting  bitterly,  stood  leaning  on  his  spear 

Midst  a  great  concourse  of  the  lords,  with  sad  lulus  by, 

Unmoved  amid  their  many  tears :  the  elder,  girded  high  400 

In  folded  gown,  in  e'en  such  wise  as  Paeon  erst  was  dight, 

With  hurrying  hand  speeds  many  a  salve  of  Phoebus'  herbs  of  might ; 

But  all  in  vain  :  his  right  hand  woos  the  arrow-head  in  vain ; 

For  nought  the  teeth  of  pincers  grip  the  iron  of  the  bane  ; 

No  happy  road  will  Fortune  show,  no  help  Apollo  yields  : 

And  grimly  terror  more  and  more  prevaileth  o'er  the  fields. 

And  nigher  draws  the  evil  hour  :  they  see  the  dusty  pall 

Spread  o'er  the  heaven ;  draw  horsemen  nigh,  and  shafts  begin  to  fall 

Thick  in  the  midmost  of  the  camp :  grim  clamour  smites  the  stars, 

The  shouts  of  men,  the  cries  of  men  that  fall  in  game  of  Mars.  410 

Now  Mother  Venus,  sore  at  heart  for  her  sore-wounded  son, 
Plucketh  a  stalk  of  dittany  from  Cretan  Ida  won, 
That  with  a  downy  leaf  of  grey  and  purple  head  doth  grow, 
And  well  enough  the  mountain-goats  the  herbage  of  it  know 
What  time  the  winged  shaft  of  man  within  them  clingeth  sore. 


BOOK  XII.  321 

This  Venus  brought,  with  cloudy  cloak  her  body  covered  o'er, 

This  in  the  waves  of  glittering  rims  she  steepeth  privily, 

Drugging  the  cup,  and  wholesome  juice  withal  there  blendeth  she, 

Wrought  of  ambrosia  ;  heal-all  too  most  sweet  of  heavenly  smell. 

So  with  that  stream  lapis  old  the  shaft-wound  cherished  well  420 

Unwitting :  sudden  from  the  flesh  all  grievance  doth  depart, 

And  all  the  blood  is  staunched  at  once  up  from  the  wound's  deep  heart, 

And  comes  the  shaft  unto  the  hand  with  nought  to  force  it  forth, 

And  freshly  to  the  king  returns  his  ancient  might  and  worth. 

Then  cries  lapis : 

"  Loiter  ye  ?  arms  for  the  hero  then !  " 
And  he  is  first  against  the  foe  to  whet  the  hearts  of  men. 
"  Lo,  not  from  any  help  of  man,  nor  from  art's  mastery 
These  things  have  happed,  nor  hath  mine  hand,  ^Eneas,  holpen  thee. 
A  great  God  wrought  to  send  thee  back  great  deeds  of  fame  to  win." 

Then,  fain  of  fight,  on  either  side  the  king  his  legs  shuts  in  430 

With  ruddy  gold  :  he  loathes  delay,  and  high  his  war-shaft  shakes ; 
And  then  his  left  side  meets  the  shield,  his  back  the  hauberk  takes, 
And  round  lulus  casteth  he  a  steel-clad  man's  embrace, 
And  saith,  but  lightly  kissing  him  from  midst  the  helmet's  space : 

"  Child,  the  bare  valour  learn  of  me  and  very  earthly  toil, 
Good-hap  of  others  :  my  right  hand  shall  ward  thee  in  the  broil 
These  days  that  are,  and  gain  for  thee  exceeding  great  rewards  ; 
But  thou,  when  ripe  thine  age  shall  grow,  remember  well  the  swords ; 
Then  as  thine  heart  seeks  through  the  past  for  kin  to  show  the  road, 
Well  shall  thy  sire  ^Eneas  stir,  thine  uncle  Hector  goad."  440 

But  when  these  words  are  cast  abroad,  huge  through  the  gate  he  goes, 

Shaking  in  hand  a  mighty  spear  ;  then  in  arrayment  close 

Antheus  and  Mnestheus  rush  to  war  :  the  camp  is  left  behind, 

And  all  the  host  flows  forth  ;  the  fields  are  blent  with  dust-cloud  blind. 


32«  THE  ^ENEIDS  OF  VIRGIL. 

And,  stirred  by  trample  of  the  feet,  the  earth's  face  trembleth  sore. 

But  Turnus  from  a  facing  mound  beheld  that  coming  war. 

The  Ausonians  looked,  and  through  their  hearts  swift  ran  the  chilly  fear : 

And  now  before  all  other  men  first  doth  Jutuma  hear, 

And  know  the  sound,  and,  quaking  sore,  she  fleeth  back  again. 

On  comes  he,  hurrying  on  the  host  black  o'er  the  open  plain  :  450 

As  when  a  storm  cast  on  the  world  from  heaven  asunder  rent, 

Wendeth  across  the  middle  sea :  out !  how  the  dread  is  sent 

Deep  to  the  field-folks'  boding  hearts  :  —  here  comes  the  orchards'  bane, 

He  comes  the  acres'  utter  wrack,  the  ruin  of  all  the  plain ! 

The  gale  that  goes  before  its  face  brings  tidings  to  the  shore  : 

So  'gainst  the  foe  the  Trojan  Duke  led  on  his  hosts  of  war ; 

And  gathering  in  the  wedge-array  all  knit  them  close  around. 

Now  hath  Thymbraeus'  battle-blade  the  huge  Osiris  found, 

And  Mnestheus  slays  Archetius,  Achates  Epulo, 

And  Gyas  Ufens  :  yea,  the  seer  Tolumnius  lieth  low,  460 

He  who  was  first  against  the  foe  to  hurl  the  war-shaft  out. 

The  cry  goes  up  unto  the  heaven ;  the  war-tide  turns  about, 

Dust-cloud  of  flight  the  Rutuli  raise  up  across  the  field  : 

But  he,  the  King,  thinks  scorn  of  it  to  smite  the  backs  that  yield  j 

Nay,  those  that  meet  him  foot  to  foot,  the  wielders  of  the  spear, 

He  followeth  not :  Turnus  alone  his  eyes  track  everywhere 

Amid  the  dust-cloud,  him  alone  he  crieth  unto  fight. 

Hereby  Juturna's  manly  mind  is  shaken  with  affright ; 

Metiscus,  Turnus'  charioteer,  she  plucketh  from  the  rein, 

And  leaveth  him  fallen  down  afar  from  yoking  pole  and  wain  :  470 

But  she  mounts  up,  and  with  her  hand  the  waving  bridle  guides, 

The  while  Metiscus'  voice,  and  limbs,  and  war-gear  with  her  bides : 

As  when  amid  a  lordling's  house  there  flits  a  swallow  black, 

On  skimming  wings  she  seeks  to  still  her  noisy  nestlings'  lack, 

And  wandering  through  the  lofty  halls  but  little  feast  doth  get, 

Then  soundeth  through  the  empty  porch,  and  round  the  fish-pools  wet, 


BOOK  XII.  323 

So  is  Juturna  borne  on  wheels  amidmost  of  the  foe, 

And  flying  on  in  hurrying  chase  by  every  thing  doth  go, 

Now  here,  now  there,  her  brother  shows  all  flushed  with  victory, 

But  still  refrains  him  from  the  press  ;  far  o'er  the  waste  they  fly.          480 

No  less  ^Eneas  picks  his  way  amid  the  winding  road, 

Tracking  the  man,  and  through  the  rout  cries  ever  high  and  loud  ; 

But  e'en  as  oftentimes  as  he  his  foeman  caught  with  eye, 

And  'gainst  the  flight  of  winged  steeds  his  running  feet  would  try, 

So  oft  the  speedy  wain  of  war  Juturna  turned  aside. 

Ah,  what  to  do  ?     In  vain  he  went,  borne  on  a  shifting  tide, 

While  diverse  cares  to  clashing  ways  the  soul  within  him  drave* 

But  lo,  Messapus,  speedy-light,  who  chanced  in  hand  to  have 

Two  light  and  limber  shafts  of  tree,  each  with  its  iron  head, 

Now  whirling  one,  a  shot  well  aimed  unto  the  hero  sped :  490 

^Eneas  stayed,  and  gathered  him  behind  his  shielding-gear, 

And  sank  upon  his  knee ;  no  less  the  eager-driven  spear 

Smote  on  his  helm,  and  shore  away  the  topmost  of  his  crest. 

Then  verily  his  wrath  arose  ;  by  all  that  guile  oppressed, 

When  he  beheld  the  steeds  and  car  far  from  his  battle  borne, 

He  bade  Jove  witness,  and  the  hearths  of  troth-plight  wronged  and  torn  : 

He  breaks  at  last  amidst  of  them  with  Mars  to  help  him  on, 

And  fearful  speedeth  work  of  death  wherein  he  spareth  none, 

And  casteth  every  rein  aside  that  held  his  anger  in. 

What  God  shall  tell  me  all  the  woe,  what  God  the  song  shall  win         500 

Of  shifting  death  and  Dukes  undone,  and  all  those  many  dead, 

By  Turnus  and  by  him  of  Troy  about  the  fight-field  spread? 

O  Jupiter,  was  this  thy  will,  that  nations  doomed  to  live 

In  peace  hereafter,  on  that  day  in  such  a  broil  should  strive  ? 

Rutulian  Sucro  was  the  first  that  Trojan  onset  stayed; 
/Eneas  met  him,  and  forsooth  no  long  delay  he  made, 


324  THE  ^ENEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

But  smote  his  side,  and  through  his  ribs  and  fencing  of  the  breast 
Drave  on  his  bitter  naked  sword  where  way  was  easiest. 

Turnus  afoot  met  Amycus,  cast  down  from  off  his  horse, 
His  brother,  swift  Diores,  too:  the  first  amidst  his  course  510 

The  long  spear  smote,  the  sword  the  last ;  the  heads  of  both  the  twain 
He  hangeth  up  and  beareth  on  shedding  a  bloody  rain. 

Talon  and  Tanais  therewith,  Cethegus  stout  to  do, 

All  three  at  once  the  Trojan  sped,  and  sad  Onytes  slew, 

Whom  to  the  name  of  Echion  Peridia's  womb  did  yield. 

Then  Turnus  slew  the  brethren  sent  from  Phoebus'  Lycian  field : 

Menates,  too,  of  Arcady,  who  loathed  the  war  in  vain  j 

By  fruitful  fishy  Lerna's  flood  was  once  his  life  and  gain, 

And  unrich  house,  and  nought  he  knew  of  mighty  men's  abode, 

And  hired  for  a  price  of  men  the  earth  his  father  sowed.  520 

As  when  two  fires,  that  on  a  while  are  sped  from  diverse  ways, 
Run  through  the  dry  and  tinder  wood,  and  crackling  twigs  of  bays ; 
.As  when  from  off  the  mountain-tops  two  hurrying  rivers  speed, 
And  foaming,  roaring,  as  they  rush,  drive  down  to  ocean's  mead, 
And  each  one  wastes  his  proper  road ;  no  slothfuller  than  these, 
^Eneas,  Turnus,  fare  afield  ;  swell  up  the  anger-seas 
In  both  their  hearts ;  torn  are  their  breasts  that  know  not  how  to  yield, 
In  speeding  of  the  wounding-craft  their  utter  might  they  wield. 

Murranus,  as  his  sires  of  sires  and  ancient  name  he  sings, 

And  boasts  his  blood  come  far  adown  the  line  of  Latin  kings,  530 

JEneas,  with  a  mighty  rock  and  whirlwind  of  a  stone, 

O'erthrows,  and  stretches  on  the  earth;  the  wain-wheels  roll  him  on, 

Amid  the  bridle  and  the  yoke,  whom  there  upon  the  sward 

The  hurrying  hoofs  of  horses  pound,  remembering  not  their  lord. 


BOOK  XII.  325 

Then  Hyllus'  onset,  and  his  heart  with  fury  all  aglow, 
Doth  Turnus  meet ;  who  hurls  a  shaft  against  his  golden  brow, 
And  through  the  helm  the  war-spear  flies,  and  in  the  brain  is  stayed. 
Thee,  Cretheus,  bravest  of  the  Greeks,  thine  hands  did  nothing  aid 
To  snatch  from  Turnus. 

Nought  his  Gods  did  their  Cupencus  cloak 

Against  Eneas'  rush  of  war ;  breast-on  he  met  the  stroke,  540 

And  nought  availed  that  hapless  one  the  tarrying  golden  shield. 

Thee  also,  warring  ^Eolus,  did  that  Laurentine  field 

See  fallen,  and  cumbering  the  earth  with  body  laid  alow ; 

Thou  diest,  whom  the  Argive  hosts  might  never  overthrow, 

Nor  that  Achilles'  hand  that  wrought  the  Priam's  realm  its  wrack 

Here  was  thy  meted  mortal  doom ;  high  house  'neath  Ida's  back, 

High  house  within  Lyrnessus'  garth,  grave  in  Laurentine  lea. 

Now  all  the  hosts  to  fight  are  turned,  and  blent  in  battle's  sea, 

All  Latin  folk,  all  Dardan  sons,  Mnestheus,  Serestus  keen, 

Messapus  tamer  of  the  horse,  Asylas  fame-beseen,  550 

The  Tuscan  host,  Evander's  men,  the  Arcadian  wings  of  fight, 

Each  for  himself  the  warriors  play,  and  strive  with  utter  might ; 

No  tarrying,  no  rest,  they  strain  in  contest  measureless. 

But  now  a  thought  his  mother  sent  ^Eneas'  mind  to  bless, 

That  he  should  wend  unto  the  walls,  and  townward  turn  his  host, 

And  blend  amid  destruction  swift  the  Latin  people  lost. 

For  he,  now  marking  Turnus'  ways  through  many  a  company, 

Hither  and  thither  turns  his  eyes,  and  sees  the  city  lie 

At  peace  amid  the  mighty  stir,  unharmed  amid  the  fight, 

And  image  of  a  greater  war  set  all  his  soul  alight.  560 

Mnestheus,  Sergestus  then  he  calls,  Serestus  battle-strong, 

The  Dukes  of  war ;  he  mounts  a  knoll ;  thither  the  Teucrians  throng 

In  serried  ranks,  yet  lay  not  by  the  battle-spear  and  shield : 


326  THE  ^ENEIDS  OF  VIRGIL. 

So  there  from  off  the  mound  he  speaks  amidmost  of  the  field : 

"  Let  none  hang  back  from  these  my  words,  for  Jove  is  standing  by ; 

Let  none  be  dull  herein  because  it  cometh  suddenly  : 

To-day  the  town,  the  cause  of  war,  the  King  Latinus'  home, 

Unless  they  cry  them  craven  men,  and  'neath  the  yoke  they  come, 

Will  I  o'erthrow ;  the  smoking  towers  upon  the  ground  will  lay. 

What  ?  must  I  wait  till  Turnus  grows  fain  of  the  battle-play  ?  570 

And  shall  he,  conquered,  take  his  ease  to  fight  me  o'er  and  o'er  ? 

O  fellows,  this  is  head  and  well  of  all  the  wicked  war. 

Haste  with  the  torches,  set  we  forth  the  troth  with  fire  to  find !  " 

He  spake  ;  but  all  they  set  to  work,  and  striving  with  one  mind 

Knit  close  their  ranks,  and  on  the  town  a  world  of  battle  bear : 

Unlooked-for  ladders  are  at  hand,  and  sudden  fires  appear ; 

While  some  they  run  unto  the  gates,  and  there  the  out-gards  slay, 

Or  hurl  the  spears,  and  with  their  cloud  dim  down  the  light  of  day. 

./Eneas,  in  the  front  of  men,  lifts  hand  unto  the  walls, 

And  in  a  great  and  mighty  voice  guilt  on  Latinus  calls,  580 

And  bids  the  Gods  to  witness  him  twice  to  the  battle  driven, 

Italians  twice  become  his  foes,  and  twice  the  treaty  riven. 

But  mid  the  turmoiled  city-folk  arose  the  bickering  then, 

Some  bade  unbar  and  open  gates  unto  the  Dardan  men ; 

Yea,  some  unto  the  walls  would  drag  their  very  king  and  lord ; 

But  some  bear  arms  and  go  their  ways  the  walls  of  war  to  ward : 

E'en  as  the  shepherd  finds  the  bees  shut  in,  a  fenced  folk, 

In  chinky  pumice  rock,  and  fills  their  house  with  bitter  smoke ; 

But  they,  all  busy-fearful  grown  within  their  waxen  wall, 

Ilun  here  and  there  and  whet  their  wrath  with  mighty  humming  call :  590 

The  black  stink  rolleth  through  their  house,  and  with  a  murmuring  blind 

The  stony  hollows  moan :  the  reek  the  empty  air  doth  find. 

Here  on  the  weary  Latins  fell  another  stroke  of  fate, 


BOOK  XII.  327 

That  moved  the  city  deep  adown  with  sorrow  sore  and  great ; 

For  when  the  Queen  from  house  aloft  beheld  the  foe  draw  nigh, 

The  walls  beset,  the  flaming  brands  unto  the  house-roofs  fly, 

And  nowhere  the  Rutulian  ranks  or  Turnus'  warring  host, 

The  hapless  woman  deems  the  youth  in  stress  of  battle  lost, 

And,  all  bewildered  in  her  mind  by  these  so  sudden  woes, 

Curses  herself  for  head  and  spring  whence  all  the  evil  flows ;  600 

And  crying  many  a  bitter  word,  and  mad  with  sorrow  grown, 

She  riveth  with  her  dying  hand  the  queenly  purple  gown, 

And  knits  the  knot  of  loathly  death  from  lofty  beam  on  high. 

But  when  the  wretched  Latin  wives  know  all  this  misery, 

Her  daughter  first,  Lavinia,  wastes  the  blossom  of  her  hair, 

And  wounds  her  rosy  cheeks ;  then  they  that  stood  about  her  there 

Run  wild  about,  and  all  the  house  resoundeth  with  their  wail. 

Thence  through  the  city  flies  the  sound  of  that  unhappy  tale, 

And  all  hearts  sink  :  Latinus  goes  with  raiment  rent  and  torn, 

Stunned  by  his  wife's  unhappy  lot,  and  city  lost  and  lorn,  610 

And  scattering  o'er  his  hoariness  defilement  of  the  dust ; 

And  often  he  upbraids  himself  that  he  took  not  to  trust 

That  Dardan  lord,  nor  willingly  had  hallowed  him  his  son. 

Meanwhile  across  the  outer  plain  war-Turnus  followeth  on 

The  last  few  stragglers,  duller  grown,  and  less  and  less  his  heart 

Rejoices  in  his  hurrying  steed  and  their  victorious  part. 

The  air  bore  to  him  noise  of  men  with  doubtful  terror  blent, 

And  round  about  his  hearkening  ears  confused  murmur  sent; 

The  noise  of  that  turmoiled  town,  a  sound  of  nought  but  woe : 

"  Ah,  me  !  "  he  cried,  "  what  mighty  grief  stirs  up  the  city  so  ?  620 

Why  from  the  walls  now  goeth  up  this  cry  and  noise  afar? " 

He  spake,  and,  wildered,  drew  the  rein  and  stayed  the  battle-car : 
His  sister  met  his  questioning,  as  she  in  seeming  clad 
Of  that  Metiscus,  all  the  rule  of  battle-chariot  had, 


328  THE  ^ENEIDS  OF  VIRGIL. 

And  steeds  and  bridle  : 

"  Hereaway,  O  Turnus,  drive  we  on 

The  sons  of  Troy  ;  where  victory  shows  a  road  that  may  be  won  : 
For  other  hands  there  are,  belike,  the  houses  to  defend. 
^Eneas  falls  on  Italy,  and  there  doth  battle  blend ; 
So  let  our  hands  give  cruel  death  to  Teucrian  men  this  day, 
No  less  in  tale :  so  shalt  thou  hold  thine  honour  in  the  fray.  630 

But  Turnus  sayeth  thereunto  : 

"  Sister,  I  knew  thee  long  ago,  when  first  by  art  and  craft 

Thou  brok'st  the  troth-plight,  and  therewith  amidst  the  battle  went ; 

And  now  thou  hidest  God  in  vain.     But  whose  will  thee  hath  sent 

From  high  Olympus'  house  to  bear  such  troubles,  and  so  great  ? 

Was  it  to  see  thy  brother's  end  and  most  unhappy  fate  ? 

For  what  do  I  ?    What  heal  is  left  in  aught  that  may  befall  ? 

Mine  eyes  beheld  Murranus  die,  on  me  I  heard  him  call : 

No  dearer  man  in  all  the  world  is  left  me  for  a  friend : 

Woe's  me !  that  mighty  man  of  men  a  mighty  death  must  end.  640 

Ufens  is  dead,  unhappy  too  lest  he  our  shame  behold  ; 

E'en  as  I  speak  the  Teucrians  ward  his  arms  and  body  cold. 

And  now  —  the  one  shame  wanting  yet  —  shall  I  stand  deedless  by 

Their  houses'  wrack,  nor  let  my  sword  cast  back  that  Drances'  lie  ? 

Shall  I  give  back,  and  shall  this  land  see  craven  Turnus  fled  ? 

Is  death,  then,  such  a  misery  ?     O  rulers  of  the  dead, 

Be  kind  !  since  now  the  high  God's  heart  is  turned  away  from  me  ; 

A  hallowed  soul  I  go  adown,  guiltless  of  infamy, 

Not  all  unworthy  of  the  great,  my  sires  of  long  ago." 

Scarce  had  he  said  when,  here  behold,  from  midmost  of  the  foe  650 

Comes  Saces  on  his  foaming  steed,  an  arrow  in  his  face, 
Who,  crying  prayers  on  Turnus'  name,  onrusheth  to  the  place : 
"  Turnus,  in  thee  our  last  hope  lies !  pity  thy  wretched  folk  ! 
^Eneas  thundereth  battle  there,  and  threatened!  with  his  stroke 


BOOK  XII.  329 

The  overthrow  of  tower  and  town,  and  wrack  of  Italy. 

The  flames  are  flying  toward  the  roofs ;  all  mouths  of  Latins  cry 

On  thee  ;  all  eyes  are  turned  to  thee  :  yea,  the  king  wavereth  there, 

Whom  shall  he  call  his  son-in-law,  to  whom  for  friendship  fare. 

The  Queen  to  wit,  thy  faithfullest,  is  dead  by  her  own  hand, 

And.  fearful  of  the  things  to  come,  hath  left  the  daylight  land.  660 

Messapus  and  Atinas  keen  alone  upbear  our  might 

Before  the  gates :  round  each  of  them  are  gathered  hosts  of  fight 

Thick-thronging,  and  a  harvest-tide  that  bristles  with  the  sword ; 

While  here  thou  wendest  car  about  the  man-deserted  sward." 

Bewildered  then  with  images  of  diverse  things  he  stood 

In  silent  stare  ;  and  in  his  heart  upswelled  a  mighty  flood 

Of  mingled  shame  and  maddening  grief  :  the  Furies  goaded  sore 

With  bitter  love  and  valour  tried  and  known  from  time  of  yore. 

But  when  the  cloud  was  shaken  off  and  light  relit  his  soul, 

His  burning  eye-balls  toward  the  town,  fierce-hearted,  did  he  roll,        670 

And  from  the  wheels  of  war  looked  back  unto  the  mighty  town  ; 

And  lo,  behold,  a  wave  of  flame  into  a  tongue-shape  grown 

Licked  round  a  tower,  and  'twixt  its  floors  rolled  upward  unto  heaven  : 

A  tower  that  he  himself  had  reared  with  timbers  closely  driven, 

And  set  beneath  it  rolling-gear,  and  dight  the  bridges  high. 

"  Now,  sister,  now  the  Fates  prevail !  no  more  for  tarrying  try. 

Nay,  let  us  follow  where  the  God,  where  hard  Fate  calleth  me ! 

Doomed  am  I  to  ^Eneas'  hand ;  doomed,  howso  sore  it  be, 

To  die  the  death  ;  ah,  sister,  now  thou  seest  me  shamed  no  more : 

Now  let  me  wear  the  fury  through  ere  yet  my  time  is  o'er."  68» 

He  spake,  and  from  the  chariot  leapt  adown  upon  the  mead, 
And  left  his  sister  lone  in  grief  amidst  the  foe  to  speed, 
Amidst  the  spears,  and  breaketh  through  the  midmost  press  of  fight, 
E'en  as  a  headlong  stone  sweeps  down  from  off  the  mountain-height, 


330  THE  ^ENEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

Torn  by  the  wind ;  or  drifting  rain  hath  washed  it  from  its  hold, 
Or  loosed,  maybe,  it  slippeth  down  because  the  years  grow  old : 
Wild  o'er  the  cliffs  with  mighty  leap  goes  down  that  world  of  stone, 
And  bounds  o'er  earth,  and  woods  and  herds  and  men-folk  rolleth  on 
Amidst  its  wrack  :  so  Turnus  through  the  broken  battle  broke 
Unto  the  very  city-walls,  where  earth  was  all  a-soak  690 

With  plenteous  blood,  and  air  beset  with  whistling  of  the  shafts  ; 
There  with  his  hand  he  maketh  sign,  and  mighty  speech  he  wafts  : 

"  Forbear,  Rutulians  I  Latin  men,  withhold  the  points  of  fight ! 

Whatever  haps,  the  hap  is  mine ;  I,  I  alone,  of  right 

Should  cleanse  you  of  the  broken  troth,  and  doom  of  sword-edge  face." 

So  from  the  midst  all  men  depart,  and  leave  an  empty  space ; 

But  now  the  Father  JEneas  hath  hearkened  Turnus'  name, 

And  backward  from  the  walls  of  war  and  those  high  towers  he  came. 

He  casts  away  all  tarrying,  sets  every  deed  aside, 

And  thundering  in  his  battle-gear  rejoicing  doth  he  stride  :  700 

As  Athos  great,  as  Eryx  great,  great  as  when  roaring  goes 

Amid  the  quaking  oaken  woods  and  glory  lights  the  snows, 

And  Father  Apennine  uprears  his  head  amidst  the  skies. 

Then  Trojan  and  Rutulian  men  turn  thither  all  their  eyes, 

And  all  the  folk  of  Italy,  and  they  that  hold  the  wall, 

And  they  that  drive  against  its  feet  the  battering  engines'  fall. 

All  men  do  off  their  armour  then.     Amazed  Latinus  stands 

To  see  two  mighty  heroes,  born  in  such  wide-sundered  lands, 

Meet  thus  to  try  what  deed  of  doom  in  meeting  swords  may  be. 

But  they,  when  empty  space  is  cleared  amid  the  open  lea,  710 

Set  each  on  each  in  speedy  wise,  and  with  their  war-spears  hurled 
Amid  the  clash  of  shield  and  brass  break  into  Mavors'  world  ; 
Then  groaneth  earth  ;  then  comes  the  hail  of  sword-strokes  thick  and  fast 
And  in  one  blended  tangle  now  are  luck  and  valour  cast : 


BOOK  XII.  331 

As  when  on  mighty  Sila's  side,  or  on  Taburnus*  height, 

Two  bulls  with  pushing  horny  brows  are  mingled  in  the  fight : 

The  frighted  herdsmen  draw  aback,  and  all  the  beasts  are  dumb 

For  utter  fear ;  the  heifers  too  misdoubt  them  what  shall  come, 

Who  shall  be  master  of  the  grove  and  leader  of  the  flock ; 

But  each  on  each  they  mingle  wounds  with  fearful  might  of  shock,      720 

And  gore  and  push  home  fencing  horns,  and  with  abundant  blood 

Bathe  neck  and  shoulder,  till  the  noise  goes  bellowing  through  the  wood 

E'en  so  yEneas  out  of  Troy,  and  he,  the  Daunian  man, 

Smite  shield  on  shield  ;  and  mighty  clash  through  all  the  heavens  there  ran. 

'Tis  Jupiter  who  holds  the  scales  'twixt  even-poised  tongue  ; 

There  in  the  balance  needfully  their  sundered  fates  he  hung, 

Which  one  the  battle-pain  shall  doom,  in  which  the  death  shall  lie. 

Now  Turnus  deems  him  safe,  and  forth  with  sword  upreared  on  high, 

He  springs,  and  all  his  body  strains,  and  rises  to  the  stroke, 

And  smites :  the  Trojans  cry  aloud,  and  eager  Latin  folk,  730 

And  both  hosts  hang  'twixt  hope  and  fear :  but  lo,  the  treacherous  sword 

Breaks  in  the  middle  of  the  blow  and  leaves  its  fiery  lord :  — 

And  if  the  flight  shall  fail  him  now  !  —  Swift  as  the  East  he  flees 

When  in  his  right  hand  weaponless  an  unknown  hilt  he  sees. 

They  say,  that  when  all  eager-hot  he  clomb  his  yoked  car 

In  first  of  fight,  that  then  he  left  his  father's  blade  of  war, 

And  caught  in  hand  his  charioteer  Metiscus'  battle-glaive  j 

And  that  was  well  while  Trojan  fleers  backs  to  the  smiting  gave, 

But  when  they  meet  Vulcanian  arms,  the  very  God's  device, 

Then  shivereth  all  the  mortal  blade  e'en  as  the  foolish  ice ;  740 

And  there  upon  the  yellow  sand  the  glittering  splinters  lie. 

So  diversely  about  the  field  doth  wildered  Turnus  fly, 
And  here  and  there  in  winding  ways  he  doubleth  up  and  down, 
For  thick  all  round  about  the  lists  was  drawn  the  Teucrian  crown : 
By  wide  marsh  here,  by  high  walls  there,  his  fleeing  was  begirt 


332  THE  .ENEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

Nor  less  ^Eneas,  howsoe'er,  hampered  by  arrow-hurt, 

His  knees  might  hinder  him  at  whiles  and  fail  him  as  he  ran, 

Vet  foot  for  foot  all  eagerly  followed  the  hurrying  man ; 

As  when  a  hound  hath  caught  a  hart  hemmed  by  the  river's  ring, 

Or  hedged  about  by  empty  fear  of  crimson-feathered  string,  750 

And  swift  of  foot  and  baying  loud  goes  following  up  the  flight ; 

But  he,  all  fearful  of  the  snare  and  of  the  flood-bank's  height, 

Doubles  and  turns  a  thousand  ways,  while  open-mouthed  and  staunch 

The  Umbrian  keen  sticks  hard  at  heel,  and  now,  now  hath  his  haunch, 

Snapping  his  jaws  as  though  he  gripped,  and,  mocked,  but  biteth  air. 

Then  verily  the  cry  arose ;  the  bank,  the  spreading  mere, 

Rang  back  about,  and  tumult  huge  ran  shattering  through  the  sky. 

But  Turnus  as  he  fled  cried  out  on  all  his  Rutuli, 

And,  calling  each  man  by  his  name,  craved  his  familiar  blade. 

Meanwhile  vEneas  threatened  death  if  any  come  to  aid,  760 

And  swift  destruction :  and  their  souls  with  fearful  threats  doth  fill 

Of  city  ruined  root  and  branch ;  and,  halting,  followeth  still. 

Five  rings  of  flight  their  running  fills,  and  back  the  like  they  wend : 

Nought  light  nor  gamesome  is  the  prize  for  which  their  feet  contend, 

For  there  they  strive  in  running-game  for  Turnus'  life  and  blood. 

By  hap  hard  by  an  olive  wild  of  bitter  leaves  there  stood, 

Hallowed  to  Faunus,  while  agone  a  most  well-worshipped  tree, 

Whereon  to  that  Laurentian  God  the  sailors  saved  from  sea 

Would  set  their  gifts,  and  hang  therefrom  their  garments  vowed  at  need. 

But  now  the  Teucrian  men  of  late  had  lopped  with  little  heed          770 

That  holy  stem,  that  they  might  make  the  lists  of  battle  clear : 

And  there  ^Eneas'  war-spear  stood  ;  his  might  had  driven  it  there, 

And  held  it  now,  set  hard  and  fast  in  stubborn  root  and  stout : 

The  Dardan  son  bent  o'er  it  now  to  pluck  the  weapon  out, 

That  he  might  follow  him  with  shot  whom  running  might  not  take. 

But  Turnus,  wildered  with  his  fear,  cried  out  aloud  and  spake : 

"  O  Faunus,  pity  me,  I  pray !  and  thou,  O  kindest  Earth, 


BOOK  XII.  333 

Hold  thou  the  steel  for  me,  who  still  have  worshipped  well  thy  worth, 
Which  ever  those  ^Enean  folk  with  battle  would  profane ! " 

He  spake,  and  called  the  God  to  aid  with  vows  not  made  in  vain ;       780 

For  o'er  the  tough  tree  tarrying  long,  struggling  with  utter  might, 

No  whit  ^Eneas  could  undo  the  gripping  woody  bite. 

But  while  he  struggleth  hot  and  hard,  and  hangeth  o'er  the  spear, 

Again  the  Daunian  Goddess,  clad  in  shape  of  charioteer 

Metis  cus,  Turnus'  trusty  sword  unto  his  hand  doth  speed. 

But  Venus,  wrathful  that  the  Nymph  might  dare  so  bold  a  deed, 

Came  nigh,  and  from  the  deep-set  root  the  shaft  of  battle  drew. 

So  they,  high-hearted,  stored  with  hope  and  battle-gear  anew, 

One  trusting  in  his  sword,  and  one  fierce  with  his  spear  on  high, 

Stand  face  to  face,  the  glorious  game  of  panting  Mars  to  try.  790 

Meanwhile  the  King  of  Heaven  the  great  thus  unto  Juno  saith, 

As  from  a  ruddy  cloud  she  looked  upon  the  game  of  death : 

"  What  then  shall  end  it,  O  my  wife  ?  what  deed  is  left  thine  hand  ? 

That  Heaven  shall  gain  ^Eneas  yet,  a  Godhead  of  the  land, 

That  Fate  shall  bear  him  to  the  stars  thou  know'st  and  hast  allowed : 

What  dost  thou  then,  or  hoping  what  hang'st  thou  in  chilly  cloud  ? 

What !  was  it  right  that  mortal  wound  a  God's  own  flesh  should  wrong  ? 

Right  to  give  Turnus  —  but  for  thee  how  was  Juturna  strong  ?  — 

The  sword  he  lost  ?  or  vanquished  men,  to  give  their  might  increase  ? 

I  prithee  yield  unto  my  prayers,  and  from  thy  troubling  cease.  800 

Let  not  thine  hushed  grief  eat  thine  heart,  or  bitter  words  of  care 

So  often  from  thy  sweetest  mouth  the  soul  within  me  wear. 

The  goal  is  reached :  thou  hast  availed  o'er  earth  and  sea  to  drive 

The  Trojan  men  ;  to  strike  the  spark  of  wicked  war  alive ; 

To  foul  their  house,  and  woe  and  grief  mid  wedding-feast  to  bear, 

And  now  I  bid  thee  hold  thine  hand." 

Thuswise  said  Jupiter, 
And  with  a  downcast  countenance  spake  that  Saturnian  Queen : 


334  THE  ^ENEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

"  Well  have  I  known,  great  Jupiter,  all  that  thy  will  hath  been, 

And  Turnus  and  the  worldly  land  loth  have  I  left  alone, 

Else  nowise  should'st  thou  see  me  bear,  sole  on  this  airy  throne,          810 

Things  meet  and  unmeet :  flame-begirt  the  war-ranks  would  I  gain, 

And  drag  the  host  of  Trojans  on  to  battle  and  their  bane. 

Juturna !  —  yes,  I  pitied  her,  and  bade  her  help  to  bear 

Unto  her  brother ;  good,  methought,  for  life  great  things  to  dare : 

But  nought  I  bade  her  to  the  shaft  or  bending  of  the  bow. 

This  swear  I  by  the  ruthless  well,  the  Stygian  overflow, 

The  only  holy  thing  there  is  that  weighs  on  Godhead's  oath. 

And  now  indeed  I  yield  the  place,  and  leave  the  fight  I  loathe. 

But  one  thing  yet  I  ask  of  thee,  held  in  no  fateful  yoke  ; 

For  Latium's  sake  I  pray  therefore,  and  glory  of  thy  folk :  820 

When  they  at  last  —  so  be  it  now !  —  pledge  peace  mid  bridal  kind, 

When  they  at  last  join  law  to  law,  and  loving  treaty  bind, 

Let  them  not  change  their  ancient  name,  those  earth-born  Latin  men, 

Nor  turn  them  into  Trojan  folk,  or  call  them  Teucrians  then : 

Let  not  that  manfolk  shift  their  tongue,  or  cast  their  garb  aside ; 

Let  Latium  and  the  Alban  kings  through  many  an  age  abide, 

And  cherish  thou  the  Roman  stem  with  worth  of  Italy  : 

Troy-town  is  dead :  Troy  and  its  name  for  ever  let  them  die ! " 

The  Fashioner  of  men  and  things  spake,  smiling  in  her  face : 

"Yea,  Jove's  own  sister;  second  branch,  forsooth,  of  Saturn's  race !     830 

Such  are  the  mighty  floods  of  wrath  thou  rollest  in  thy  breast. 

But  this  thine  anger  born  for  nought,  I  prithee  let  it  rest : 

I  give  thine  asking ;  conquered  now  I  yield  me,  and  am  glad : 

The  Ausonian  men  shall  keep  the  tongue  and  ways  their  fathers  had, 

And  as  their  name  is  shall  it  be :  only  in  body  blent 

Amidst  them  shall  the  Teucrians  sink ;  from  me  shall  rites  be  sent, 

And  holy  things,  and  they  shall  be  all  Latins  of  one  tongue. 

Hence  shalt  thou  see  a  blended  race  from  blood  Ausonian  sprung, 

Whose  godliness  shall  outgo  men,  outgo  the  Gods  above ; 


BOOK  XII.  335 

Nor  any  folk  of  all  the  world  so  well  thy  worth  shall  love."  840 

So  gladdened  Juno's  heart  was  turned,  and  yea-saying  she  bowed, 
And  so  departed  from  the  sky  and  left  her  watching-cloud. 

Another  thing  the  Father  now  within  him  turneth  o'er, 

What  wise  Juturna  he  shall  part  from  her  lost  brother's  war : 

Two  horrors  are  there  that  are  called  the  Dreadful  Ones  by  name, 

Whom  with  Megaera  of  the  Pit  at  one  birth  and  the  same 

Untimely  Night  brought  forth  of  yore,  and  round  about  them  twined 

Like  coils  of  serpents,  giving  them  great  wings  to  hold  the  wind : 

About  Jove's  throne,  and  close  anigh  the  Stern  King's  threshold-stead, 

Do  these  attend,  in  sick-heart  men  to  whet  the  mortal  dread,  850 

Whenso  the  King-God  fashions  forth  fell  death  and  dire  disease, 

Or  smites  the  guilty  cities  doomed  with  battle  miseries. 

Now  one  of  these  sent  Jupiter  swift  from  the  heavenly  place, 

And  bade  her  for  a  sign  of  doom  to  cross  Juturna's  face. 

So  borne  upon  a  whirl  of  wind  to  earth  the  swift  one  flies, 

E'en  as  an  arrow  from  the  string  is  driven  amid  the  skies, 

Which  headed  with  the  venom  fell  a  Parthian  man  hath  shot,  — 

Parthian,  Cydonian,  it  may  be,  —  the  hurt  that  healeth  not ; 

Its  hidden  whirring  sweepeth  through  the  drifting  misty  flow : 

So  fared  the  Daughter  of  the  Night,  and  sought  the  earth  below.          86c 

But  when  she  saw  the  Ilian  hosts  and  Turnus'  battle-rank, 

Then  sudden  into  puny  shape  her  body  huge  she  shrank, 

A  fowl  that  sits  on  sepulchres,  and  desert  roofs  alone 

In  the  dead  night,  and  through  the  mirk  singeth  her  ceaseless  moan ; 

In  such  a  shape  this  bane  of  men  met  Turnus'  face  in  field, 

And,  screeching,  hovered  to  and  fro,  and  flapped  upon  his  shield : 

Strange  heaviness  his  body  seized,  consuming  him  with  dread, 

His  hair  stood  up,  and  in  his  jaws  his  voice  lay  hushed  and  dead. 

But  when  afar  Juturna  knew  the  Dread  One's  whirring  wings, 


336  THE  ^ENEIDS   OF  VIRGIL. 

The  hapless  sister  tears  her  hair  and  loose  its  tresses  flings,  870 

Fouling  her  face  with  tearing  nails,  her  breast  with  beat  of  hand. 

"  How  may  my  help,  O  Turnus,  now  beside  my  brother  stand  ? 

How  may  I  harden  me  'gainst  this  ?  by  what  craft  shall  I  stay 

Thy  light  of  life  ?  how  cast  myself  in  such  a  monster's  way  ? 

Now,  now  I  leave  the  battle-field ;  fright  not  the  filled  with  fear, 

O  birds  of  ill !  full  well  I  know  your  flapping  wings  in  air, 

And  baneful  sound.     Thy  mastering  will  I  know  it  holdeth  good, 

O  Jove  the  great !  —  was  this  the  gift  thou  gav'st  for  maidenhood  ? 

Why  give  me  everlasting  life,  and  death-doom  take  away? 

O,  but  for  that  my  sorrows  sore  now  surely  might  I  slay,  880 

And  wend  beside  my  brother  now  amid  the  nether  Night. 

Am  I  undying  ?  ah,  can  aught  of  all  my  good  delight 

Without  thee,  O  my  brother  lost !     O  Earth,  gape  wide  and  well, 

And  let  a  Goddess  sink  adown  into  the  deeps  of  hell !  " 

So  much  she  said,  and  wrapped  her  round  with  mantle  dusky-gray, 
And,  groaning  sore,  she  hid  herself  within  the  watery  way. 

But  forth  ^Eneas  goes,  and  high  his  spear  he  brandisheth, 

A  mighty  tree,  and  from  his  heart  grown  fell  a  word  he  saith: 

"  And  wherewith  wilt  thou  tarry  me  ?  hangs  Turnus  back  again  ? 

No  foot-strife  but  the  armed  hand  must  doom  betwixt  us  twain.  890 

Yea,  turn  thyself  to  every  shape,  and,  gathering  everything 

Wherewith  thine  heart,  thy  craft  is  strong,  go  soaring  on  the  wing, 

And  chase  the  stars ;  or  deep  adown  in  hollow  earth  lie  stored." 

But  Turnus  shakes  his  head  and  saith :  " '  Tis  not  thy  bitter  word 
That  frights  me,  fierce  one  ;  but  the  Gods,  but  Jove  my  foeman  grown." 

No  more  he  said,  but,  looking  round,  espied  a  weighty  stone, 
An  ancient  mighty  rock  indeed,  that  lay  upon  the  lea, 
Set  for  a  landmark,  judge  and  end  of  acre-strife  to  be, 


BOOK  XII.  337 

Which  scarce  twice  six  of  chosen  men  upon  their  backs  might  raise, 

Of  bodies  such  as  earth  brings  forth  amid  the  latter  days :  900 

But  this  in  hurrying  hand  he  caught,  and  rising  to  the  cast, 

He  hurled  it  forth  against  the  foe,  and  followed  on  it  fast ; 

Yet  while  he  raised  the  mighty  stone,  and  flung  it  to  its  fall, 

Knew  nought  that  he  was  running  there,  or  that  he  moved  at  all : 

Totter  his  knees,  his  chilly  blood  freezes  with  deadly  frost, 

And  e'en  the  hero-gathered  stone,  through  desert  distance  tost, 

O'ercame  not  all  the  space  betwixt,  nor  home  its  blow  might  bring : 

E'en  as  in  dreaming-tide  of  night,  when  sleep,  the  heavy  thing, 

Weighs  on  the  eyes,  and  all  for  nought  we  seem  so  helpless-fain 

Of  eager  speed,  and  faint  and  fail  amidmost  of  the  strain ;  910 

The  tongue  avails  not ;  all  our  limbs  of  their  familiar  skill 

Are  cheated ;  neither  voice  nor  words  may  follow  from  our  will : 

So  Turnus,  by  whatever  might  he  strives  to  win  a  way, 

The  Dread  One  bans  his  hope ;  strange  thoughts  about  his  heart-strings  play . 

He  stareth  on  his  Rutuli,  and  on  the  Latin  town 

Lingering  for  dread,  trembling  to  meet  the  spear  this  instant  thrown : 

No  road  he  hath  to  flee,  no  might  against  the  foe  to  bear ; 

Nowhither  may  he  see  his  car,  or  sister  charioteer. 

./Eneas,  as  he  lingereth  there,  shaketh  the  fateful  shaft, 

And,  following  up  its  fate  with  eyes,  afar  the  steel  doth  waft  920 

With  all  the  might  his  body  hath :  no  stone  the  wall-sling  bears 

E'er  roars  so  loud :  no  thunderclap  with  such  a  crashing  tears 

Amid  the  heaven :  on  flew  the  spear,  huge  as  the  whirlwind  black, 

And  speeding  on  the  dreadful  death :  it  brings  to  utter  wrack 

The  hauberk's  skirt  and  outer  rim  of  that  seven-folded  shield, 

And  goeth  grating  through  the  thigh :  then  falleth  unto  field 

Huge  Turnus,  with  his  hampered  knee  twifolded  with  the  wound : 

Then  with  a  groan  the  Rutuli  rise  up,  and  all  around 

Roar  back  the  hill-sides,  and  afar  the  groves  cast  back  the  cry : 

But  he,  downcast  and  suppliant  saith,  with  praying  hand  and  eye :       930 


338  THE  ^ENEIDS  OF  VIRGIL. 

"  Due  doom  it  is  ;  I  pray  no  ruth ;  use  what  hath  chanced  to  fall. 
Yet,  if  a  wretched  father's  woe  may  touch  thine  heart  at  all, 
I  pray  thee  —  since  Anchises  once  was  even  such  to  thee,  — 
Pity  my  father  Daunus'  eld,  and  send  me,  or,  maybe, 
My  body  stripped  of  light  and  life,  back  to  my  kin  and  land. 
Thou,  thou  hast  conquered :  Italy  has  seen  my  craven  hand 
Stretched  forth  to  pray  a  grace  of  thee ;  Lavinia  is  thy  wife : 
Strain  not  thine  hatred  further  now ! " 

Fierce  in  the  gear  of  strife 

JEne&s  stood  with  rolling  eyes,  and  held  back  hand  and  sword,  939 

And  more  and  more  his  wavering  heart  was  softening  'neath  the  word  — 
When  lo,  upon  the  shoulder  showed  that  hapless  thong  of  war  ! 
Lo,  glittering  with  familiar  boss  the  belt  child  Pallas  bore, 
Whom  Turnus  with  a  wound  o'ercame  and  laid  on  earth  alow, 
And  on  his  body  bore  thenceforth  those  ensigns  of  his  foe. 

But  he,  when  he  awhile  had  glared  upon  that  spoil  of  fight, 
That  monument  of  bitter  grief,  with  utter  wrath  alight, 
Cried  terrible : 

"  And  shalt  thou,  clad  in  my  beloved  one's  prey, 
Be  snatched  from  me?  —  'Tis  Pallas  yet,  'tis  Pallas  thus  doth  slay, 
And  taketh  of  thy  guilty  blood  atonement  for  his  death  !  " 

Deep  in  that  breast  he  driveth  sword  e'en  as  the  word  he  saith :          950 
But  Turnus,  —  waxen  cold  and  spent,  the  body  of  him  lies, 
And  with  a  groan  through  dusk  and  dark  the  scornful  spirit  flies. 


THKXND. 


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NEWS  FROM  NOWHERE;  or,  AN  EPOCH  OF  REST. 
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THE  STORY  OF  THE  GLITTERING  PLAIN,  which  has 
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The  story,  which  is  in  a  strong  Homeric  vein  that  immediately  commands  and 
holds  attention,  takes  us  back  to  those  far-off  times  when  the  Goths  were  contending 
with  the  Romans.  It  is  written  in  both  prose  and  verse,  and  is  thereby  made  more 
continuously  interesting  for  the  general  reader  than  if  it  were  a  purely  epic  poem.  It 
relates  to  a  branch  of  the  Gothic  family  who  exhibited,  particularly  in  their  leader, 
Thiodolf,  many  noble  examples  of  heroism  and  self-sacrifice.  The  narrative  is 
pathetic,  inspiring,  and  worthy  of  the  author  of  "The  Earthly  Paradise,"  and  recalls 
a  far-distant  past  with  a  picturesque  fidelity  that  is  far  more  impressive  than  the  bald 
realism  which  too  many  believe  now  to  be  the  highest  art  in  story-telling.  It  has  an 
imaginative  fervor,  glow,  and  color  which  will  cause  it  to  be  read  and  re-read  by  those 
who  wish  to  escape  from  the  present  into  a  world  of  romance  and  poetry.  Tln» 
literary  jewel,  with  its  rich  and  appropriate  setting,  should  be  in  the  library  of  every 
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Land  of  Living  Men,  or  the  Acre  of  the  Undying.  $1.50. 

William  Morris  comes  to  us  again  with  another  of  his  delightful  "  sagas,"  full  of 
life  and  action  and  every  essential  human  sentiment.  He  is  a  master  of  such  produc- 
tion, and  does  not  betray  himself  at  any  point  by  a  false  note  or  by  false  color.  .  .  . 
The  saga  before  us  contains  a  story  of  happy  life  and  prospective  wedded  joy  broken 
in  upon  by  capture,  of  a  long  and  varied  search  for  his  loved  one  by  the  knight  of  the 
tale,  of  successful  return  from  all  dangers,  and  a  final  re-entrance  into  the  hall  of  the 
kindred  in  "  Cleveland  by  the  Sea."  .  .  .  This  saga  sings  itself  through  from  begin- 
ning to  end  in  a  beautiful  melody.  The  prose  of  it  is  like  music,  and  the  little  inter- 
ludes of  song  fit  their  places  perfectly.  The  human  life  and  circumstances  of  the  saga 
are  drawn  from  ancient  Northern  times,  though  no  definite  sphere  is  entered;  and 
there  is  no  attempt  at  historical  suggestion,  as  in  "The  House  of  the  Wolfings." 
This  is  simply  a  sweet,  touching  saga  of  a  brave,  patient,  faithful  human  love.  — 
Public  Opinion. 

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Those  who  feared  that  Mr.  William  Morris  would  be  made  less  of  a  poet  by  hjs 
socialism  have  had  ample  reason  to  be  disappointed.  .  .  .  The  originality  of  this 
volume  is  that  it  contains  several  poems  telling  us  something  which  Mr.  Morris  has 
hardly  told  us  in  print  before.  .  .  .  The  whole  volume  not  only  betokens  a  splendid 
vitality  of  gift  with  surprises  yet  in  store,  but  recalls  at  every  turn  that  its  author  is 
one  of  a  famous  fraternity,  of  whom  one  other  still  survives,  and  who  have  been 
animated,  despite  all  their  differences,  by  a  certain  common  spirit,  and  endowed  with 
a  similar  cunning  in  the  craft  of  song.  —  The  Academy. 

The  Wood  Beyond  the  World.  In  a  crown  8vo  volume,  printed 
on  antique  English  paper.  Frontispiece  by  E.  Burne-Jones. 
$2.50. 

The  charm,  or  one  of  the  charms,  of  this  last  book  of  his  is  more  easily  felt  than 
described,  and  is  only  felt  in  the  feelings,  we  think,  by  those  who  are  enamoured  of 
the  invention  which  underlies  all  folk-lore,  the  element  of  fantasy,  with  or  without  a 
seeming  purpose,  containing  in  itself  its  excuse  for  being,  and  are  enamoured  at  the 
same  time  of  the  simple,  homely,  idiomatic  diction  which  characterized  the  early 
chroniclers  and  romancers,  and  of  which  Malory's  "  Morte  d'Arthur"  is  a  fair 
example.  At  the  age  of  sixty,  or  thereabouts,  he  is  still  pouring  out  his  lovely  things, 
more  full  of  the  glory  of  youth,  more  full  of  romantic  adventure  and  romantic  love, 
than  any  of  the  beautiful  poems  in  his  first  volume.  By  the  side  of  this  exhaustless 
creator  of  youthful  and  lovely  things,  the  youngest  of  the  poets  who  have  just  appeared 
above  the  horizon  seems  faded  and  jaded.  —  Mail  and  Express, 


LONGMANS,  GREEN  &  CO.,  PUBLISHERS, 
443-449  FOURTH  AVENUE,  NEW  YORK. 


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